By Nkechi Eze
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative team to probe the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
According to an official statement signed by Babawale Afolabi, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC, 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, 2026.
The statement said the operation was part of the Corps’ ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
Following the deaths, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The team is expected to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other relevant circumstances.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
The Corps also said it was working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures were implemented.
NSCDC cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease, stressing that such reports remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” the statement said.
The Commandant General has also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be given utmost priority, while measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected suspects.
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.
While reaffirming its resolve to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, the NSCDC said it remained committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
It urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take their course, assuring that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
