The Civil Defence Corps says some suspects arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in Niger State died in custody, as a high-powered team investigates the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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

The Corps confirmed the deaths in a statement on Thursday, following reports concerning the condition and subsequent deaths of some of the suspects arrested during operations carried out on September 15 and 16, 2026.

The statement was signed by Babawale Afolabi, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer of the NSCDC.

According to the NSCDC, the arrests were made by the Niger State Command during a coordinated enforcement operation in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities and protect the country's natural resources.

The development has raised concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspects, particularly their condition after arrest and while in custody.

Responding to the situation, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.

The investigative team is being led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

The team has been directed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, the duration of their detention, the conditions under which they were held and the medical attention provided to them.

The investigation will also examine other factors that may have contributed to the deaths in a bid to establish what actually happened.

The NSCDC disclosed that the remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations will be conducted to determine the actual cause of death.

The Corps said it is also collaborating with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures are put in place.

The NSCDC cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of the deaths before the completion of medical and laboratory examinations.

It specifically stated that reports linking the deaths to any particular disease have not been medically established.

“The Corps wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation,” the statement said.

It added that the authorities would refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is known.

Beyond investigating the deceased, the Commandant General has directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be given the highest priority.

The Corps also said measures were being taken to protect its personnel who may have come into contact with the affected suspects.

Expressing sympathy to the families of those who died, the NSCDC assured them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and that appropriate action would be taken based on established facts.

The Corps maintained that while it would continue to enforce laws against illegal mining and protect Nigeria's critical national assets, such enforcement must be carried out alongside respect for the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.

“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 established facts,” it said.

The NSCDC urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to run their course.

It promised to provide further updates as verified information becomes available.