The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on Thursday, September 17, commenced an investigation into the deaths of 40 suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger state.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the state.
The development followed reports that no fewer than 40 suspected illegal miners were feared dead after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, attributing them to a suspected outbreak of disease.
However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the cause of the deaths had yet to be established, stressing that reports linking them to any specific disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement on Thursday, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the commandant general, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Afolabi said the team, led by the deputy commandant general in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, had been mandated to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.
According to him, the investigation would cover the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided to them and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“NSCDC has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
“Following the development, the commandant general, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the deputy commandant general in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.” Afolabi read
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be prioritised, while measures were being taken to protect personnel who might 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.
Afolabi added that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” he said.
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