Probe Begins as 40 Miners Die in NSCDC Detention

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has commenced an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died in custody in Niger State.

The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the Niger State Command around M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto on September 15 and 16, as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining.

Reports initially indicated that no fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners had died at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna. Other reports later put the death toll at about 40, although the NSCDC has not released an official figure.

The deaths were discovered early Thursday, raising concern over detention conditions.

Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, reportedly attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the cause had not been established and said claims linking the deaths to a specific disease required medical and laboratory confirmation.

The Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered a high-powered investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The team, led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, has been directed to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other factors that may have contributed to the deaths.

The development has also prompted action from the Federal Government. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant pending investigation.

Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said the government’s priority was the protection of lives. He appealed for calm and urged the public to remain law-abiding.

The state government has also expressed concern over the deaths, as authorities work to establish what happened inside the facility itself.

The incident has raised questions about the welfare and safety of suspects held in custody, particularly following reports that dozens of detainees were being held at the facility.

Authorities are expected to establish the precise cause of death, determine whether detention conditions contributed to the fatalities and identify any official responsibility.

The investigative findings are expected to guide further action and help clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths.