…. Nigeria’s NSCDC has launched a high-level probe into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained in Minna, Niger State, after a September 15–16 crackdown
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a high-level investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Minna, Niger State, after being arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining.
The deaths occurred after coordinated operations conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Initial reports put the number of deceased at 33, although subsequent reports have cited 37. The NSCDC headquarters has not officially confirmed a final death toll, saying only that “some” or “scores” of detainees died.
The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during the enforcement operation and subsequently detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
Cause of deaths yet to be established
The Niger State Command initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the actual cause of death had not been established and warned against linking the incident to any specific disease until medical and laboratory examinations are completed.
The bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for examination and determination of the cause of death.
NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative team.
The team, to be led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Its mandate includes determining the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.
Investigation to examine detention conditions
The NSCDC said the investigation would establish what happened between the suspects’ arrest and the discovery of the deaths.
This will include an assessment of the detention facility, the health condition of those arrested, the medical interventions available to them and any other circumstances that may have contributed to the deaths.
The Corps said it would not speculate on the cause of death before receiving the outcome of the medical examinations.
The development has also attracted wider scrutiny, with reports of protests in Minna following news of the deaths. Reuters reported that residents took to the streets and that security forces were deployed to restore calm.
Niger NSCDC commandant suspended
The Federal Government has since taken an additional administrative step.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye, pending investigation into the deaths.
The suspension adds another layer to the inquiry as authorities seek to establish what happened to the detainees and whether any breach of procedure contributed to the deaths.
The police have also ordered a separate investigation. Premium Times reported that Niger State Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman directed an inquiry following the discovery of the deceased detainees.
Arrests followed illegal mining crackdown
The deceased were arrested as part of an NSCDC operation targeting suspected illegal mining activities around M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto.
The Corps said the September 15 and 16 operations resulted in the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
Illegal mining remains a major challenge for Nigeria, with authorities seeking to curb its environmental, economic and security consequences.
The government’s crackdown has intensified in several mineral-producing areas as officials seek to protect natural resources, improve regulatory compliance and address the activities of unlicensed mining operators.
NSCDC orders protection for other detainees
Following the deaths, Audi directed that the health and welfare of all persons still 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 detainees.
The agency expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation and medical examinations continue.
For the families, however, the immediate priority remains establishing how so many people died shortly after being taken into custody.
The outcome of the medical examinations and the investigations by the NSCDC and police is expected to provide the evidence needed to determine the cause of the deaths and whether any officials or institutions should bear responsibility.