Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody in Niger, CG Orders Investigation

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested in Niger State.

The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Commandant of Corps, Babawale Afolabi.

According to the statement, the suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.

Following the incident, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

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, detention conditions, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances.

The Corps disclosed that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death, adding that it is working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.

The NSCDC clarified that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation, stressing that it will refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.

The Commandant General further directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, while necessary measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.

“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,” the statement read.

While reaffirming its resolve to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, the Corps said it remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody.

Members of the public have been urged to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take their course, with assurance that further updates will be provided as verified information becomes available.