RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The President also directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through misconduct, negligence or abuse should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Tinubu gave the directive in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, describing the incident as a serious matter requiring accountability.
The President stressed that the status of the deceased as suspected illegal miners did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
He said government agencies must enforce the law without violating the rights of people placed under their care.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.”
Tinubu directed that the investigation examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the number of people held at the facility, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
Investigators are also expected to establish the events that preceded the deaths and determine whether any officials failed in their responsibilities.
The President further warned that administrative sanctions, including the suspension of officers, should not prevent authorities from determining whether criminal responsibility exists.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure that no official interferes with the process.
The deceased were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed that 37 detainees died while in NSCDC custody. He said forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to establish the cause of death.
The NSCDC had initially said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak but stressed that the actual cause had not been conclusively established.
The police and other authorities have also commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a full-scale investigation and directed the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to ensure a transparent and unhindered probe.
Following the directive, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, was ordered to step aside and report to the investigative panel. Other senior officers overseeing operations, mining, legal, intelligence and investigations were also directed to appear before the panel.
The NSCDC said personnel found to have violated the law, professional standards or established procedures could face administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions.
The deaths have triggered protests in parts of Minna, with authorities deploying security personnel to maintain order. Reports said some government property and private businesses were damaged during the unrest.
The Niger State Government has also constituted a committee of inquiry and ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to establish the cause of the deaths.
Tinubu appealed to the affected families and communities to remain calm, assuring them that the government would establish the facts and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
He maintained that while the government would continue its fight against illegal mining, enforcement agencies must operate within the law.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable.”
