The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Friday visited Niger State following the death of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The suspects were said to have been arrested over alleged illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody in the early hours of Friday, September 18, 2026.
Disu, who paid a condolence visit to the Niger State Government, was received by Governor Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state.
The IGP described the deaths as a tragedy requiring urgent action, assuring the governor and residents that the Nigeria Police Force would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He said, “The Nigeria Police Force will leave no stone unturned in unravelling the cause of the incident.”
Disu called for close cooperation between the police, the NSCDC leadership in the state and the committee constituted by the Niger State Government to investigate the deaths.
He stressed that deaths in lawful custody were a grave matter, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the deaths had yet to be fully established.
In his remarks, Governor Bago thanked the IGP for his prompt intervention and condolence visit.
The governor said the deceased were arrested a day earlier over suspected illegal mining activities but were subsequently found dead while in NSCDC custody.
Bago said the incident had caused serious unrest in the state, adding that the state government was taking necessary measures to facilitate a seamless investigation.
He said forensic examinations and autopsies were expected to assist investigators in determining the cause of death.
The governor also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with the relevant security agencies investigating the incident.
The IGP appealed to residents, particularly families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that violence could further complicate the situation.
He assured that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights.
The Nigeria Police Force, through its Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody.
The Force said it would continue to collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were properly investigated.
