The Federal Government has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The victims were among suspects arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026, as authorities intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in the state.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji Ojo directed the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are thoroughly investigated without interference. The minister also ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the inquiry...READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE .
Following the directive, the state commandant and heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation were ordered to report to the NSCDC headquarters in Abuja to face the panel of inquiry. A new commandant has also been directed to take charge of the Niger State command while the investigation continues.
The NSCDC said the investigation would examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions of their detention, the medical attention they received and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities have cautioned against prematurely attributing the deaths to any particular disease, noting that the actual cause must be established through medical and laboratory examinations.
The NSCDC has also promised that any personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards will face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions where applicable.
The incident has raised serious questions about the welfare and safety of people held in security custody, while the government has appealed for calm as investigators work to establish what happened.
The outcome of the investigation and medical examinations is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and whether any officials or other individuals should face further action.
