More than 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, with witnesses alleging that some of the detainees were subjected to severe physical assault before their deaths.
The incident reportedly occurred following enforcement operations conducted around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
According to eyewitness accounts, the suspects were allegedly beaten with sticks and iron objects while being held at an NSCDC facility.
One of the witnesses, identified as Ibrahim Adamu, claimed that more than 37 people died in the incident.
Adamu alleged that the detainees were treated violently after being arrested for suspected illegal mining, arguing that they should have been prosecuted rather than physically punished.
He also claimed to have witnessed the removal of some of the bodies from the NSCDC premises.
Another source, whose brother was reportedly among those arrested, said he visited the facility to secure his brother’s release.
The source alleged that NSCDC personnel demanded N500,000 for the release and that he witnessed detainees being beaten before leaving the facility.
He further claimed that his brother’s body remained in NSCDC custody.
Families Allegedly Notified Late
Witnesses also alleged that the families of some of the deceased were not immediately informed about the deaths.
According to one source, relatives who visited the facility to make inquiries about detained family members allegedly discovered the bodies and raised the alarm.
The source claimed that about 37 bodies were seen within the premises.
He further alleged that there were attempts to remove the bodies without notifying the victims’ families.
The development reportedly attracted the attention of the police and other security agencies after a crowd gathered around the facility.
Access to the premises was subsequently restricted, according to the witness.
NSCDC Confirms Deaths, Orders Investigation
The NSCDC has confirmed that several suspected illegal miners died while in its custody but said the actual circumstances and cause of the deaths had not been established.
The Corps initially reported that the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17 following a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC later clarified that no particular disease had been medically or scientifically established as the cause of the deaths.
In a statement issued by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the formation of a high-powered investigative team to probe the incident.
The team, headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation will cover the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the duration of their detention, the conditions under which they were held, medical attention provided to them and other circumstances surrounding the incident.
The NSCDC said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations would be conducted to establish the actual cause of death.
The Corps also said it was working with health authorities and other security agencies to implement appropriate medical and public-health measures.
The NSCDC cautioned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before medical and laboratory examinations are completed.
The Commandant General also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be given priority, while measures are being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated.
The NSCDC maintained that although it remains committed to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s natural resources, it is equally committed to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody.
The allegations of beatings and attempted disposal of bodies have not been independently established, and the outcome of the NSCDC investigation and medical examinations is expected to clarify the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
