Pix: NSCDC Helmsman, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi

By Umoru Pategi, Minna

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has constituted a high-level investigative panel to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of a number of suspected illegal miners arrested during recent enforcement operations in Niger State.The Corps confirmed that the deceased were among suspects apprehended during a coordinated operation carried out by the Niger State Command on September 15 and 16, 2026, within the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to curb illegal mining activities and safeguard the nation’s mineral resources.In response to the incident, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the immediate establishment of a special investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation to ascertain the facts surrounding the deaths.According to the directive, the panel has been tasked with conducting a thorough and impartial inquiry into all aspects of the incident, including the physical condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, the duration and conditions of their detention, access to medical care while in custody, and any other relevant factors that may have contributed to the unfortunate development.The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations are expected to determine the precise cause of death. The Corps disclosed that it is collaborating closely with relevant health authorities and other security agencies to ensure that all necessary medical and public health protocols are strictly observed.The NSCDC further clarified that reports linking the deaths to any particular illness remain unverified and subject to the outcome of medical and laboratory investigations. Consequently, the Corps said it would refrain from making any conclusions until official findings are available.Professor Audi has also directed that the welfare, health and safety of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be accorded the highest priority. He further instructed that appropriate protective measures be put in place for officers and personnel who may have had contact with the affected individuals.While expressing sympathy to the families of the deceased, the Commandant General assured the public that the investigation would be conducted with utmost transparency and professionalism, and that appropriate actions would be taken based on the findings.The NSCDC reiterated its commitment to combating illegal mining, protecting critical national assets and infrastructure, and upholding the fundamental rights, dignity and safety of all individuals in its custody.The Corps appealed to members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to run their full course, assuring that further updates would be provided as soon as verified information becomes available.