Niger miners’ deaths: No one culpable will be shielded, FG assures

The Federal Government has expressed deep sorrow over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. According to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government shared in the grief arising from the tragedy and assured that no one found culpable would be shielded.

The suspected miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026, and died while in NSCDC custody. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension of the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The government has taken immediate steps to establish the facts and determine the circumstances that led to the loss of lives. The Minister of Interior urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation. The government also conveyed condolences to the Governor of Niger State, Umaru Bago, and the families of those who lost their lives.

Brief written by urgent.news from Punch, Daily Post Nigeria, Ripples Nigeria — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.