The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched an investigation into the deaths of about 37 suspected illegal miners who were arrested and detained in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations conducted 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 activities in the state.
According to a report by PUNCH, at least 33 of the suspects were initially feared dead after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday.
The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the cause of the deaths had not been established, stressing that reports linking them to a particular disease were still subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered the constitution of a high-powered investigative team to establish what happened.
The team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.
The investigation will also consider other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Audi further directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be prioritised. The Corps also said measures were being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected persons.
NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
The Corps urged caution against speculation pending the outcome of medical examinations and laboratory tests.
