Niger Police probe deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody

The Niger State Police Command has commenced investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, ordered the investigation following the incident which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.

According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, persons arrested over alleged illegal mining were found dead while in detention at the NSCDC Niger State Command.

The Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Minna, to take charge of the investigation and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command urged family members, relatives and members of the public with credible information that could assist the investigation to come forward and provide such information to the SCID, Minna.

Elleman also appealed for calm and urged residents, relatives and acquaintances of the deceased to remain law-abiding and cooperate with the investigation.

He assured the public that the command would thoroughly investigate the incident to determine the cause of the deaths.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the command’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.