Odita Sunday 
By Odita Sunday
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has opened an investigation into the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State, ordering a high-powered team to establish what happened to the detainees.
The suspects were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of efforts to stop illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources.
Concern over the deaths prompted the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, to direct an immediate investigation led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The investigative team has been tasked with examining the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention they received and other circumstances that may have contributed to their deaths.
The remains have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations will be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures were put in place.
The Corps cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths, saying reports linking them to any specific disease had not been medically or scientifically established.
It said the Commandant General had also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody receive utmost attention, while steps were being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
In a statement dated September 17, 2026, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, BABAWALE AFOLABI, ANIPR, Assistant Commandant of Corps, said the Corps sympathised with the families of the deceased and would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were thoroughly investigated.
The NSCDC maintained that its enforcement of laws against illegal mining would continue, but stressed that its mandate also required it to uphold the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The Corps urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the medical and investigative processes to establish the facts, assuring that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
SIGNED:
BABAWALE AFOLABI, ANIPR
Assistant Commandant of CorpsßNSCDC Opens Probe Into Deaths Of Suspected Illegal Miners In Niger
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has opened an investigation into the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State, ordering a high-powered team to establish what happened to the detainees.
The suspects were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of efforts to stop illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources.
Concern over the deaths prompted the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, to direct an immediate investigation led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The investigative team has been tasked with examining the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention they received and other circumstances that may have contributed to their deaths.
The remains have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations will be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures were put in place.
The Corps cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths, saying reports linking them to any specific disease had not been medically or scientifically established.
It said the Commandant General had also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody receive utmost attention, while steps were being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
In a statement dated September 17, 2026, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, BABAWALE AFOLABI, ANIPR, Assistant Commandant of Corps, said the Corps sympathised with the families of the deceased and would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were thoroughly investigated.
The NSCDC maintained that its enforcement of laws against illegal mining would continue, but stressed that its mandate also required it to uphold the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The Corps urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the medical and investigative processes to establish the facts, assuring that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
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