RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
Former Vice President and 2027 African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Atiku, in a statement on Friday, said Nigerians taken into government custody were entitled to protection and dignity irrespective of the allegations against them.
He expressed concern over the deaths and said the circumstances surrounding the incident must be established without delay.
“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” Atiku said.
The former vice president welcomed the Federal Government’s suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye and the decision to order a full investigation, describing the measures as an important first step.
He, however, said the investigation should be thorough and transparent, with its findings made public and responsibility established where supported by evidence.
“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public,” Atiku said.
He added that anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should face appropriate consequences.
FG SUSPENDS COMMANDANT, ORDERS PROBE
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant while a full investigation is conducted into the deaths.
Separately, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi constituted an investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The team is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.
While some initial reports put the number of deaths at 40, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago subsequently confirmed 37 deaths. The exact cause of the deaths has not been established, with medical and forensic examinations expected to provide further clarification.
The NSCDC has cautioned against attributing the deaths to any particular cause before medical and laboratory findings are concluded.
Atiku said the families of the deceased deserved clear answers from authorities, adding that the investigation should provide Nigerians with confidence that people in state custody would be adequately protected.
He also expressed sympathy with the affected families and called for the truth surrounding the incident to be established as quickly as possible.
