The Nigerian authorities must immediately set up an independent investigation of today’s death of 37 youth — including minors — in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna Niger state. The victims were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026 at mining sites located at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. This loss of lives cannot go unanswered.
Government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively, investigate how detention for one to two days descended into a disaster that killed minors. Those who are found to be behind this tragedy must not merely receive internal or administrative sanctions. They must face the full scale of justice.
The circumstances of the arrests of the victims and the condition in which they were detained must be established transparently. Victims and their families must be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.
The authorities must ensure justice for the victims of this horrific yet preventable incident which cost so many people, many believed to be children, their lives.
NSCDC INVESTIGATES DEATHS OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS IN NIGER STATE
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.
The suspects were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis, as part of operations against illegal mining.
Following the reported deaths, NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, directed a high-powered investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The investigation will examine the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other relevant circumstances.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
NSCDC also cautioned against speculation, stressing that reports linking the deaths to any specific disease have not been medically confirmed.
While some reports circulating online have claimed that about 30 minors died, the official NSCDC statement does not confirm that the deceased were minors or establish the exact number of deaths.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured the public that further updates would be released as verified information becomes available.
Source: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)