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The tragic development has drawn the attention of the Federal Government, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announcing the deployment of a high-powered delegation to Niger State to carry out an independent probe.
KaNo—
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has commenced a full-scale investigation into the deaths of dozens of suspected illegal miners who died while in detention in Niger State, sparking outrage, protests and a statewide curfew.
The incident, which has raised serious concerns over detention conditions and the handling of suspects, followed a series of enforcement operations carried out by the Niger State Command of the corps on September 15 and 16, 2026, in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis, areas known for illegal mining activities.
Initial reports indicated that no fewer than 33 detainees died in custody at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
However, subsequent developments suggest the number may have risen to about 40, although authorities have yet to provide a final confirmed figure.
The deaths were reportedly discovered in the early hours of Thursday, triggering widespread shock and confusion.
While the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, initially attributed the fatalities to a suspected disease outbreak, the national headquarters of the corps cautioned against drawing conclusions pending medical and laboratory investigations.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, had ordered the immediate constitution of a high-powered investigative panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
NSCDC Orders Probe
According to Afolabi, the investigative team would be led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation and would conduct a comprehensive review of the incident.
“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,” the statement read.
Afolabi stressed that the corps would refrain from speculation regarding the cause of death until the outcome of medical examinations was available, noting that claims linking the incident to a specific disease remained unverified.
He added that the NSCDC had extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that the outcome of the investigation would guide appropriate action.
The Commandant-General also directed that the health and welfare of all individuals currently in custody be prioritised, while precautionary measures were being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected detainees.
Minister Of Solid Minerals Sends Delegation To Niger
The tragic development has drawn the attention of the Federal Government, with the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, announcing the deployment of a high-powered delegation to Niger State to carry out an independent probe.
In a statement, Alake expressed deep sorrow over the incident and commiserated with the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families of the victims.
“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State and the entire people of the state over the tragic loss of lives among detained citizens in Minna,” the minister said.
“A thorough, transparent, and independent inquiry is vital to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence of such distress in our detention and correctional facilities,” Alake stated.
The minister noted that the deceased were reportedly arrested on suspicion of illegal mining, adding that his ministry would collaborate with other agencies involved in the investigation to produce a comprehensive report.
The demonstrations reportedly escalated into violence, with cases of vandalism and destruction of property recorded in Minna.
Gov Bago Imposes 24hours Curfew
In response to the growing tension, Governor Bago announced the imposition of a 24-hour curfew across the state, effective immediately after Friday congregational prayers.
Addressing journalists, the governor said the measure was necessary to restore order following the breakdown of law and order in some areas.
“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said, citing widespread vandalism.
He disclosed that several public and private properties had been targeted by protesters, including facilities belonging to the state transport company, a commercial bank and political party offices.
“The state transport company, all the buses we have there have been vandalised. A bank was hit, party offices destroyed, people’s businesses destroyed,” he said.
The governor warned that allowing the situation to escalate further could lead to more serious consequences, noting that “vandals are taking over the street” and that decisive action was required to restore calm.
“So, we call on Nigerlites, please, to exercise restraint and be patient,” he said.
Security analysts say the incident highlights longstanding challenges in Nigeria’s efforts to curb illegal mining, particularly in resource-rich states like Niger, where enforcement operations often lead to arrests but also raise questions about due process and detention conditions.
Illegal mining has remained a major concern for the Federal Government, with authorities warning that the activity not only deprives the country of revenue but also fuels environmental degradation and insecurity.
However, rights groups have repeatedly called for greater oversight of enforcement operations and improved standards in detention facilities to prevent abuses and ensure the protection of suspects’ rights.
The unfolding situation in Niger State is expected to remain under close scrutiny in the coming days, as investigators work to determine the exact cause of the deaths and whether any lapses occurred in the handling of the detainees.
Observers say the credibility of the investigative process and the willingness of authorities to act on its findings will be crucial in restoring public confidence and preventing further unrest.
