NSCDC probes deaths of over 30 suspected illegal miners in Niger custody
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of several suspected illegal miners arrested during an enforcement operation in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, during a joint operation against illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.
The Niger State Command had earlier reported that scores of detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, following what it described as a suspected disease outbreak.
The remains of the deceased have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examinations to establish the actual cause of death.
The development has triggered concerns among relatives of some of the detainees, with family members alleging that more than 30 suspects died while in custody.
However, the NSCDC cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease until medical and laboratory examinations have been completed.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team to probe the incident.
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According to him, the team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, will establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine what transpired before and after the suspects were taken into custody.
The investigation will cover the physical condition of the detainees at the time of arrest, the duration of their detention, the conditions under which they were held, medical attention provided to them and other factors that may have contributed to the deaths.
The Corps also said it was collaborating with relevant health authorities and other security agencies to implement necessary medical and public-health measures.
It directed that the health and welfare of suspects who remain in custody be given immediate attention, while measures should also be taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected detainees.
The NSCDC said its response to the incident would be guided strictly by verified medical and investigative findings.
While reaffirming its commitment to tackling illegal mining, the Corps stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted in accordance with the law and with due respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
Audi expressed condolences to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The Corps appealed for calm as medical examinations and investigations continue, promising to provide further updates as verified facts emerge.
The pending medical findings are expected to shed light on the circumstances and actual cause of the deaths, as questions persist over the health status and detention conditions of the arrested suspects.
By PRNigeria
