Niger Govt, NSCDC Probe Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Custody

By Nafiu Muhammad Lema

The Niger State Government and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have launched separate investigations into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in the state.

The suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who disclosed the development during a press conference, said the state government had constituted a committee of inquiry to determine the root cause of the deaths.

The committee is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, while the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, serves as secretary.

Bago said the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and NSCDC had also constituted investigative teams to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He said forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted on the deceased to determine the exact cause of death.

“Forensic audit and autopsy will be carried out on the victims to know the exact cause of death and consequently take necessary action,” the governor said.

The governor described the incident as “unfortunate and tragic,” and expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives.

He assured the families that the state government would pursue the matter to its logical conclusion, stressing that his administration values the lives of citizens and would not tolerate injustice.

Bago also disclosed that the NSCDC Commandant General had suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and his team to pave the way for proper investigation.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, has directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

According to the Corps, the team will investigate the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC said the remains of the deceased had 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 that appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken.

The NSCDC cautioned against speculation over reports attributing the deaths to a particular disease, saying such claims remained 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 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 persons.

The state government has meanwhile ordered the closure of all illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi mining site and warned that anyone violating the directive would be prosecuted.

Governor Bago said experts from Abuja would also be invited to conduct further analysis of the mining site.

He appealed to residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, urging them to allow the relevant authorities to wcomplete the investigative and medical processes.

The NSCDC said it remained committed to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources while upholding “the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody.”

The Corps extended condolences to the families of the deceased and promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.