The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has announced an investigation into the deaths of several suspected illegal miners who were detained during enforcement actions on September 15 and 16, 2026. These arrests took place in Niger State as part of the agency’s ongoing fight against illegal mining.
According to a statement from the NSCDC’s National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, the arrests occurred during a coordinated operation in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area. Following these events, Commandant General Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi has ordered the formation of a specialized investigative team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General responsible for Intelligence and Investigation, to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation will cover various aspects, including the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, the duration of their detention, the conditions under which they were held, and the medical care they received. The agency has confirmed that the bodies of the deceased have been sent to the General Hospital in Minna for autopsy to determine the causes of death, with collaboration from relevant health bodies and security agencies.
The NSCDC has urged caution in attributing the causes of death to any specific illness before receiving medical confirmation, emphasizing careful handling of the situation without speculation. The Commandant General has also prioritized the health and welfare of all individuals currently in custody and is taking necessary precautions to safeguard staff who may have interacted with them.
Additionally, the NSCDC extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, committing to a thorough investigation and resolution of the incident based on factual findings. The agency reaffirmed its dedication to combat illegal mining while protecting the fundamental rights of those in its custody.
