The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has confirmed the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in parts of Niger State.
The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
Key Highlights
- NSCDC confirms deaths of some suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
- The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations on September 15 and 16.
- A high-powered investigative team has been constituted to probe the deaths.
- The team will examine the suspects’ condition at arrest, custody and medical care.
- The remains have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
- NSCDC says claims linking the deaths to a specific disease have not been medically confirmed.
- The Commandant General ordered priority attention to the health and welfare of persons still in custody.
NSCDC Constitutes Investigative Team
Following the deaths, NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team.
The team is being led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, the team will conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances relevant to the incident.
Remains Deposited At General Hospital, Minna
The NSCDC said the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination expected to help establish the actual cause of death.
The Corps added that it is working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.
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NSCDC Rejects Unconfirmed Disease Claims
The Corps cautioned against reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease, saying such claims remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. It said it would refrain from speculation until the results of the medical examination are established.
A similar case in the past — a death in NSCDC custody in Sokoto State that prompted a state-ordered probe — shows how such incidents typically trigger independent scrutiny alongside an agency’s own investigation.
Health Of Suspects In Custody Given Priority
Commandant General Audi has also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be given utmost priority, with measures being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
NSCDC extended condolences to the families of those who died and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
NSCDC Reaffirms Commitment To Rights Of Persons In Custody
While reaffirming its mandate to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, the Corps said it remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take their course, adding that further updates would be released as verified information becomes available.
Statement signed by Babawale Afolabi, ANIPR, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
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