The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative team to probe the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The Corps, in a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026.
According to the statement, NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, directed the investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The team is expected to investigate the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the incident.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
The Corps said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.
NSCDC cautioned against reports linking the deaths to any specific disease, saying such claims remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, while measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
It further reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources while upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take their course, promising further updates as verified information becomes available.
