By Awwal Umar Kontagora The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative team t...
By Awwal Umar Kontagora
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-powered investigative team to probe the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in parts of Niger State.
The Corps, in a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the suspects were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations conducted by the Niger State Command on September 15 and 16, 2026.
According to the statement, the arrests were made around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
Following the deaths, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, directed the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The Corps said the team had been mandated to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It said the investigation would cover the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention provided to them and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NSCDC also disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
The Corps said it was working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public health measures were implemented.
The NSCDC further clarified that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease had not been medically established.
“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 Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
While reaffirming its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets, the NSCDC said it remained committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody.
The Corps urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take their course, assuring that further updates would be provided as verified information becomes available.
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