By Hadiza Mohammed, Northern Operation
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered a high-powered investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in its custody in Niger State.
The Corps has also ordered medical examinations of the bodies to establish the actual cause of death, following reports linking the deaths to diphtheria.
But the NSCDC cautioned that the disease claim has not been established, stressing that the cause of death can only be determined after medical and laboratory tests.
In a statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, the Corps said Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had directed the immediate constitution of an investigative team to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, has been tasked with examining the suspects’ condition at the point of arrest, their period in detention, the conditions of custody and the medical attention they received.
It will also investigate other circumstances that may have contributed to the deaths.
“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
The suspects were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations carried out by the Niger State Command on September 15 and 16, 2026, in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of the Corps’ ongoing crackdown on illegal mining.
The NSCDC said it was working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures were implemented.
The Corps also warned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before the outcome of the medical tests is known.
“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation,” Afolabi said.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.”
Meanwhile, Audi directed that the health and welfare of all persons still in custody be given “utmost priority” while measures are put in place to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected suspects.
The NSCDC expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, while stressing the need to uphold the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
It urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to run their course, promising further updates as verified information becomes available.
