Mystery Deepens Over D**ths Of 33 Miners In NSCDC Custody As Probe Begins

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners arrested during an enforcement operation in Niger State.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the affected suspects were apprehended during a joint operation against illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026, before being taken to an NSCDC facility in Minna.

The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, according to the Niger State Command of the NSCDC. The remains of the deceased were subsequently evacuated to the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations are expected to establish the cause of death.

In a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, cautioned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before the completion of medical and laboratory examinations.

Audi consequently directed the immediate establishment of a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

The investigative team is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and examine events before and after the suspects were taken into custody. Investigators will assess the physical condition of the detainees when they were arrested, the duration of their detention, the conditions under which they were held, the medical attention provided and other factors that may have contributed to the deaths.

The NSCDC said it was also collaborating with relevant health authorities and other security agencies to implement appropriate medical and public-health measures in response to the incident.

The Corps further directed that the health and welfare of suspects who remain in custody should receive immediate attention. It added that personnel who may have had contact with the affected detainees would also be protected as part of the necessary health measures.

The NSCDC stressed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be addressed based strictly on verified medical evidence and the findings of the investigation.

Despite the incident, the Corps reiterated its commitment to tackling illegal mining activities, while emphasising that enforcement operations must be conducted in accordance with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.

The Commandant General expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated.

He also appealed for calm as the medical and investigative processes continue, assuring the public that further information would be released as verified facts emerge.