By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended during operations carried out by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.
Reports had earlier indicated that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died after they were detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The deaths were reportedly discovered early Thursday. The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, was said to have linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the exact cause of the deaths had not been established.
The Corps said claims that a particular disease caused the deaths would require medical and laboratory confirmation before such a conclusion could be reached.
The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
According to Afolabi, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative panel to establish what led to the deaths.
The panel will be headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation.
Afolabi said investigators would examine several aspects of the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention they received.
The statement partly read:
“NSCDC has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
“Following the development, the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.”
Audi also ordered the Corps to give priority to the health and welfare of people who remain in custody.
The NSCDC said measures were also being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
The Corps expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be investigated.
Afolabi further said the Corps would avoid drawing conclusions until medical examinations establish the cause of the deaths.
“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.
“The Corps extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.”
