Minna, Niger State — The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched a high-level investigation following the deaths of dozens of suspected illegal miners who were detained during enforcement operations in Niger State.
Reports by Punch put the number of deaths at 40, although other credible reports have cited figures ranging from 33 to 37. The NSCDC has not released a final official death toll, saying only that some of the suspects died while in custody.
The victims were among suspects arrested during coordinated anti-illegal mining operations carried out on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
According to the NSCDC, the operation was part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities in the state, which has extensive artisanal mining operations.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, after the suspects had been taken into custody.
Cause of Death Yet to Be Established
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.
The Niger State NSCDC Command initially attributed the fatalities to a suspected disease outbreak, but the Corps’ national headquarters subsequently cautioned against drawing conclusions before medical and laboratory examinations are completed.
The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and autopsy aimed at determining the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation to examine the incident.
The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, the conditions in which they were detained, the medical attention they received and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
However, an account from a survivor cited by the Associated Press alleged that 65 detainees were packed into an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell. The survivor, Dauda Shehu, said detainees struggled to breathe and attempted to attract the attention of guards.
Those claims have not been established as the official cause of death, which remains subject to medical investigation.
Federal Government Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant
The incident has triggered immediate federal intervention.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The minister described the incident as unfortunate and said the investigation must be allowed to establish what happened.
The suspension came amid growing public concern over the deaths and questions about the conditions under which the suspects were detained.
Protests Erupt in Minna
The deaths also sparked protests in Minna, with residents and groups of miners and sympathisers demanding answers.
Reuters reported that youths took to the streets on Thursday night, with some protesters damaging vehicles. Security forces were subsequently deployed across parts of the state capital as authorities worked to restore calm.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced three days of mourning over the incident and described the deaths as tragic. He also said a committee of inquiry had been established and had begun work.
The Niger State Police Command has also commenced its own investigation into the deaths and appealed to relatives of the victims to provide information that could assist the inquiry.
Investigation to Determine What Really Happened
With conflicting accounts emerging over both the number of deaths and the possible cause, authorities are expected to rely on medical examinations, autopsy findings and the ongoing investigations to establish what happened inside the detention facility.
For now, the NSCDC has urged the public to avoid speculation, stressing that reports attributing the deaths to a specific disease have not been medically confirmed.
The incident comes amid intensified government efforts to tackle illegal mining, which authorities have linked to environmental damage, revenue losses and, in some areas, the activities of criminal groups.
This is a developing story. WeGoTalk Naija will continue to provide updates as more facts emerge.
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