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The Federal Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State
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Following the directive by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside and report to the Corps’ headquarters in Abuja to face a panel of inquiry.
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The 37 suspects were arrested during coordinated anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16
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Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has cancelled the APC political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna and declared three days of mourning in honour of the victims, as the police and NSCDC commence separate investigations into the incident.
September 18, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has ordered a full-scale investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directed the corps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The directive followed the deaths of the suspects arrested during coordinated enforcement operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, to activate a transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Acting on the minister’s directive, Audi ordered the Niger State Commandant and the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to face a constituted panel of inquiry.
The Commandant-General also directed the deployment of a new commandant to Niger State to assume office pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NSCDC spokesman, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the development in a statement.
“The CG has directed the state commandant to report forthwith to HQ alongside his heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to face the constituted panel of inquiry. He has also directed that a new commandant proceed to Niger to assume office pending the outcome of the investigation,” Afolabi said.
Audi assured the Interior Minister that the investigation would be thorough, stressing that no stone would be left unturned in determining what led to the deaths.
He further directed that any personnel found culpable should face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
Cause of Death Yet to Be Established
The NSCDC said the victims were arrested during coordinated operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
The arrests took place on September 15 and 16, after which 37 of the suspects died while in custody.
The Corps said its investigative panel had been mandated to examine the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions of their detention and the medical attention provided to them.
“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths,” Afolabi said.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at a General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken.
The Corps cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease before medical and laboratory examinations are concluded.
“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that 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,” Afolabi said.
Governor Bago had earlier said preliminary information suggested that the victims may have died from suffocation or lead poisoning, but stressed that the investigation would establish the actual cause.
The NSCDC has maintained that the definitive cause of death must be established through medical examination and laboratory findings.
Police Begin Separate Probe
The Niger State Police Command has also commenced an investigation into the incident.
The state Commissioner of Police, Elleman Adamu, ordered the immediate commencement of the investigation, according to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun.
The police investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and complement the inquiry being conducted by the NSCDC. The incident has raised questions about the conditions under which the suspects were detained and the medical attention available to them while in custody.
The NSCDC Commandant-General has consequently directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in the Corps’ custody be given utmost priority. He also ordered measures to protect personnel who may have had contact with the deceased.
Audi expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on facts.
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Bago Cancels APC Rally, Declares Three Days’ Mourning
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has cancelled the APC political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna following the deaths. He also declared three days of mourning in honour of the victims.
The governor in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening.
He urged residents to remain calm and allow the authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Bago said the decision to cancel the political rally was taken in recognition of the gravity of the incident and out of respect for the families and communities affected.
He assured residents that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
