Niger Police probe deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody

The Niger State Police Command has launched an inquiry into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were allegedly detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Commissioner of Police Adamu Abdullahi Elleman initiated the investigation following the incident that occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026. According to Public Relations Officer Wasiu Abiodun, the bodies of individuals arrested for alleged illegal mining were discovered deceased while under NSCDC detention at the Niger State Command.

The Commissioner instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna to lead the investigation and ascertain the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The police command urged family members, relatives, and the public with any credible information that could aid the investigation to come forward and provide such details to SCID Minna.

Elleman also called for public calm and urged residents, relatives, and acquaintances of the deceased to remain law-abiding and assist with the investigation. He assured the public that the command would conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the deaths, reaffirming the command's commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability in the performance of law enforcement duties.