NSCDC probes deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
The NSCDC has begun an investigation into the deaths of some suspected illegal miners who died in its custody after being arrested in Niger State. Read More: https://punchng.com/nscdc-probes-deaths-of-suspected-illegal-miners-in-niger/
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps is probing the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners arrested in Niger State during enforcement operations. The suspects were detained on September 15 and 16, 2026, in M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis. Reports indicate the deaths occurred at an NSCDC facility in Minna, the state capital, and were attributed to a suspected disease outbreak by the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye.
However, the NSCDC National Headquarters has stated that the cause of the deaths has not been established, and claims linking them to a specific disease are pending medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps' National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, has directed a high-powered investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, will examine factors such as the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their time in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances. The Corps has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the incident will be thoroughly investigated based on facts.
Written by urgent.news from Punch Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
