The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State, amid allegations that several of the deceased were teenagers.
The development followed reports circulating on social media alleging that more than 30 young miners died after their arrest by NSCDC personnel in the state.
The Corps, however, has confirmed only that some of the suspects arrested during operations in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026, died.
An X user, Abu-Sadeeq (@Dongarrus1), posted a video showing what appeared to be several young people lying unconscious on the ground.
The user claimed: “Hours after bandits beheaded several scores in Borgu, Niger State, the Nigeria Civil Defence murdered more than 30 teenagers over illegal mining in Minna.”
The claim has not been independently verified.
Responding to the reports, the National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered an investigation to establish what happened to the suspects.
Afolabi said the Commandant General had constituted a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
“The Commandant General 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,” he said.
According to him, the investigation would examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody and the treatment they received while detained.
“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,” Afolabi stated.
He disclosed that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
The spokesman said the NSCDC was also collaborating with health authorities and other security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken.
Afolabi cautioned against concluding the cause of the deaths before the outcome of medical and laboratory examinations.
“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,” he said.
The NSCDC spokesman also said the Commandant General had directed that the welfare of persons still in custody be treated as a priority, while measures were being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected persons.
The allegations have raised concerns over the identities and ages of those arrested, particularly claims that some of the deceased were minors.
The NSCDC’s statement did not provide the number of people who died, their ages or confirm that the deceased were minors. It also did not state how many suspects were arrested during the operation.
Afolabi expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be investigated.
“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 facts,” he said.
He maintained that the Corps remained committed to its anti-illegal mining operations but would not compromise the rights and safety of persons in its custody.
“The NSCDC remains resolute in its mandate to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, while also remaining committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody,” Afolabi said.
The Corps appealed to the public to remain calm and allow the investigation and medical examinations to establish the facts, promising to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.
