The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the agency in Niger State.
The development followed reports that at least 33 suspected illegal miners were feared dead after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The number of reported deaths later rose to 40.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in the state.
The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday.
The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had attributed the deaths to a suspected outbreak of disease. However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the cause of the deaths had not been established.
The Corps stressed that reports linking the deaths to any particular disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement on Thursday, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had ordered the establishment of a high-powered investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to Afolabi, the team will be led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
He said the investigation would examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
The team will also investigate other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The statement partly read, “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.”
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be prioritised.
The Corps said measures were also being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
NSCDC urged the public to refrain from speculation over the cause of the deaths pending the outcome of medical examinations and laboratory tests.
“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation,” Afolabi said.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.”
The agency expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
