The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has opened an investigation into the deaths of several suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Niger State.
The detainees were among scores of suspects arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The operation was conducted around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis and resulted in the arrest of several suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, after some of the detainees were reportedly found dead at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The remains were subsequently transferred to the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations are expected to establish the actual cause of death.
While an initial statement from the Niger State Command had raised the possibility of a disease outbreak, the NSCDC headquarters has cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific illness before the conclusion of medical and laboratory examinations.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had directed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be thoroughly investigated.
Audi ordered the immediate formation of a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The team is expected to determine what happened to the detainees from the time of their arrest until the deaths were discovered.
According to the NSCDC, the investigation will cover several aspects of the incident, including the physical condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the length of time they spent in detention and the conditions under which they were held.
Investigators will also examine the medical attention provided to the detainees and any other circumstances that could have contributed to their deaths.
The Corps said it was working with health authorities and other relevant security agencies to implement necessary medical and public-health measures.
Also Read: Ebola outbreak in DR Congo records 7,404 cases
It also directed that the health and welfare of suspects who remain in custody should receive immediate attention.
Personnel who may have had contact with the affected detainees are also to be protected as part of measures to prevent any possible health risk.
NSCDC promises findings
The Corps said it would rely on verified medical evidence and the outcome of the investigation before making a definitive statement on the cause of the deaths.
It stressed that its enforcement campaign against illegal mining would continue, but said such operations must be carried out in accordance with the rights and dignity of people taken into custody.
Audi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
He also appealed for calm while the medical examinations and investigation continue, adding that further information would be made public as verified findings emerge.