PROBE BEGINS AS 40 MINERS DIE IN NSCDC CUSTODY
Read Time:1 Minute, 40 Second
By:Aminat Tajudeen
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations carried out by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.
The investigation followed reports that at least 33 suspected illegal miners died while in detention at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, initially attributing them to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the cause of the deaths had not been established, noting that reports linking the incident to any particular disease were still subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Afolabi said the team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, would conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the deaths.
The investigation will examine the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, the detention conditions, medical care provided and other circumstances surrounding the incident.
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be prioritised, while steps are being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
The NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
The Corps further cautioned against speculation, stressing that any claim linking the deaths to a specific disease would only be established after the completion of medical examinations and laboratory tests.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0