The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has constituted a high-powered investigative panel to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State.

The NSCDC miners’ deaths occurred after coordinated operations conducted by the Niger State Command on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis, where officers were targeting suspected illegal mining activities.

The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, after scores of suspects arrested during the operations were held in NSCDC custody. While reports have cited different figures for the number of fatalities, the Corps has not officially provided a final death toll.

Following the incident, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi directed the immediate constitution of an investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

According to the Corps, the panel will examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention provided to them and other circumstances that may have contributed to the deaths.

The remains of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death. The NSCDC said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies on appropriate medical and public-health measures.

The Corps has cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths before the medical examinations are completed. Its national headquarters specifically said reports attributing the fatalities to a particular disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

The position followed an earlier statement by the Niger State Command that the deaths were linked to a suspected disease outbreak. The national headquarters, however, said it would refrain from speculation until medical findings establish the cause.

Audi has also directed that the health and welfare of all persons still in NSCDC custody be given utmost priority. The Corps said measures were being taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.

The development has also triggered action from the Ministry of Interior. Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and directed a full investigation into the incident. The suspension will remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation.

Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said the government would conduct a full investigation, while urging members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent process. He also commiserated with the Niger State Government and the families and relatives of those who died.

The incident has placed renewed attention on the conditions under which suspects are held during enforcement operations, particularly the availability of medical care and the procedures followed when detainees develop health complications.

For now, the NSCDC has maintained that the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established through investigation and medical examination rather than speculation.

The Corps has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the incident would be thoroughly investigated and addressed on the basis of established facts.

The NSCDC also reaffirmed its commitment to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s mineral resources while stressing that persons in its custody must be treated with dignity and their safety and fundamental rights protected.