IGP Disu Visits Niger, Orders Thorough Probe Into Deaths of 37 Miners

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 artisanal and suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Disu gave the assurance during a visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna, where he commiserated with the state government and families affected by the incident.

The IGP said he was in Niger State to visit the scene of the incident and oversee a thorough investigation into the deaths, assuring residents that the Police would pursue all available evidence to establish what happened.

He described the incident as tragic and said the Police would collaborate with the NSCDC, the Niger State Government’s committee of inquiry and other relevant agencies to determine the cause of the deaths.

Disu stressed that deaths occurring in custody are serious matters requiring proper investigation, adding that the Police had a responsibility to respond and ensure that the circumstances were independently examined.

He urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while investigations continue, assuring them that the process would be transparent and that no relevant evidence would be ignored.

The IGP’s visit comes amid multiple investigations into the deaths. The cause has not yet been officially established, with medical, forensic and other inquiries underway.

Responding, Governor Bago thanked the IGP and his team for their intervention and efforts to maintain peace and public order in the state.

The governor said political activities in the state had been suspended as a mark of respect for the victims and their families.

He added that the state government was working with miners’ associations and the Ministry of Mineral Resources to establish the identities of those who died and enable government officials to visit and commiserate with their families.

Bago also announced the temporary suspension of mining activities across Niger State pending the outcome of ongoing investigations. He said the measure was intended to support efforts to strengthen regulation and promote responsible mining practices.

According to the governor, the state government intends to develop a comprehensive database of miners and encourage their organisation into cooperatives to improve monitoring, regulation and accountability in the sector.

Bago commended federal agencies and other institutions involved in investigating the incident and pledged the state government’s full cooperation with efforts to establish the facts.

He also cautioned political actors against politicising the tragedy, urging stakeholders to unite in supporting a credible investigation and the affected families.

The deaths of the 37 miners have triggered investigations by the Police, the NSCDC, the Niger State Government and the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. Authorities have said the precise cause of death should be determined through the ongoing investigative and medical processes.