The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced a full-scale investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The development has also led to the suspension of the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following a directive from the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during coordinated operations conducted by the Niger State Command on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital, as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities.
Reports indicated that no fewer than 33 suspects were feared dead after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday.
Initial reports attributed the deaths to a suspected outbreak of disease. However, the NSCDC National Headquarters said the cause of the deaths had not been established, stressing that claims linking them to a particular disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
In response to the incident, Tunji-Ojo directed Aniviye to immediately step aside pending the outcome of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The minister described the development as unfortunate and assured the public that the investigation would be comprehensive and transparent.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He added that the government’s priority remained the protection of lives and called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation was ongoing.
Tunji-Ojo also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of the deceased.
NSCDC Sets Up Investigative Panel
Following the minister’s directive, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team to establish what led to the deaths.
The team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.
The investigation will also determine whether any NSCDC personnel violated the law or established operational procedures.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement, saying the Niger State commandant had been directed to report immediately to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
Aniviye is expected to appear before the panel alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation of the Niger State Command.
The NSCDC has also deployed a new commandant to take over the Niger State Command with immediate effect.
Corps Warns Against Speculation
The NSCDC said reports attributing the deaths to a specific disease should not be treated as established facts until medical and laboratory examinations are concluded.
The Corps said it would refrain from speculation and base its conclusions on the findings of the investigation and medical examination.
Audi also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be given priority, while steps should be taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected suspects.
The Corps said any personnel found culpable after the investigation would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The NSCDC reaffirmed that its operations against illegal mining and efforts to protect critical national assets would continue, but stressed that such operations must be conducted within the law and established professional standards.
The Corps also extended its condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated and addressed based on established facts.
