‘About 30 minors died mysteriously’ – Reports
By Our Reporter
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, has confirmed the death of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The development has generated widespread public reactions following reports on social media that about 30 minors allegedly died in custody after being arrested for illegal mining.
Reacting to the developing story, the NSCDC in a press statement issued by its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, ANIPR, said the suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
The Corps, however, did not state the number of casualties, but confirmed that deaths were recorded after the arrests.
Following the development, the Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement said.
According to the NSCDC, the team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Corps disclosed that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death,” the statement added.
The Corps further disclosed that it is working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken, especially in view of concerns about the health status of the deceased and others still in custody.
The NSCDC also cautioned against speculation on the cause of the deaths, particularly reports attributing it to any specific disease, stressing that such claims remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
“The Corps wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” the Corps stated.
The Commandant General has further directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, while necessary measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
While commiserating with the families of the deceased, the NSCDC assured that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
“The Corps extends its condolences to the families of the deceased and assures them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts,” the statement noted.
The Corps reiterated that while it remains resolute in its mandate to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, it also remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take their course, as the Corps promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.
The incident has sparked public debate on illegal mining activities in Niger State and the need to balance enforcement operations with the protection of human rights, especially where minors are involved.
