By Olusegun Samuel Precious
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative panel to probe the circumstances surrounding the deaths of several suspected illegal miners while in custody in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested between September 15 and 16, 2026, during a joint enforcement operation conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area as part of state-wide crackdowns on illegal mining activities.
Prompted by the fatalities, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation to lead an immediate inquiry into the incident.
According to a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the panel will examine: the physical condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, the duration and environmental conditions of their detention, the extent of medical care provided while in custody and general factors contributing to the fatalities
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, pending medical examinations and autopsy results to establish the official cause of death.
Addressing public rumors regarding a potential outbreak or disease, the Corps cautioned against speculation, clarifying that any medical claims remain unverified until official laboratory results are released.
Prof. Audi ordered that the health and welfare of all remaining detainees be given immediate priority, while precautionary health measures have been instituted for personnel who came into contact with the deceased.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to fundamental human rights and transparent accountability while executing its constitutional mandate to safeguard critical national assets.
