Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
The Niger State Police Command has now opened an investigation into the deaths, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The victims were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and detained by the NSCDC following an operation in parts of the state.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Wasi’u Abiodun, said the Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, had directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna, to take charge of the investigation.
The Police say the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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Governor Bago also told journalists that an investigation had been launched to establish what happened.
The Commissioner of Police is asking family members, relatives and anyone with credible information that could assist investigators to come forward to the SCID in Minna.
He also appealed to residents and relatives of the deceased to remain calm and law-abiding and to cooperate with investigators, assuring them that no stone would be left unturned in determining the cause of the deaths.
The Police say the Command remains committed to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.
Some youths are currently protesting around the Maitumbi axis of Minna metropolis over the deaths of more than 30 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
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(Editor: Ada Ononye)
