Niger Miners’ Deaths: FG Suspends NSCDC Commandant

Tunji-Ojo also directed a full investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, in the early hours of Thursday.

According to a statement issued on Friday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.

"It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.

“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister declared.

The minister appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He also expressed his condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of the deceased.

Reports had initially put the number of suspected illegal miners who died in custody at no fewer than 33, while the NSCDC did not immediately provide a specific figure.

The incident had earlier prompted the NSCDC to establish an investigative team to determine what led to the deaths.

The team, led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, was tasked with conducting a comprehensive inquiry.

The investigation 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 the deaths.

The NSCDC also cautioned against speculation regarding the cause of the deaths, stressing that claims linking them to any specific disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.