The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations 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.
The investigation follows reports that at least 33 suspected illegal miners were feared dead after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday. Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the cause of the deaths had not been established, stressing that claims linking them to any specific disease were still subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative team to establish what happened.
The team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, will examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“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.”
Audi also directed the Corps to prioritise the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody while taking measures to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected persons.
The NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
Afolabi further clarified that reports attributing the deaths to a specific disease remained unconfirmed pending medical and laboratory examinations.
The Corps said it would refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.
