Niger Govt Investigates Deaths of 37 Detainees in NSCDC Custody

The Niger State Government has set up an investigative committee to determine the root cause of the deaths of 37 illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

Addressing a press conference, the Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, disclosed that the Department of State Security, the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC have also constituted their own committees to establish the causes of the deaths.

The State's committee will be chaired by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, with the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, as Secretary.

Governor Bago stated that a forensic audit and autopsies will be conducted on the victims to establish the exact cause of death, after which appropriate action will be taken.

He also disclosed that the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and his team to pave the way for a proper investigation.

Describing the incident as unfortunate and tragic, Governor Bago extended condolences to the families of the deceased and assured them that the government will get to the root of the matter.

He affirmed that his administration values the lives of its citizens, will not tolerate any form of injustice, and will ensure that the incident is investigated to a logical conclusion.

The Governor further revealed that the State Government is compiling a register of the bereaved families. He commiserated with them and appealed for their patience, assuring them that his administration will do its best to establish the underlying causes of the deaths.

Governor Bago also announced the closure of all illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi mining site, warning that anyone found violating the order will be prosecuted. He added that experts from Abuja will be invited to carry out an analysis of the site.

The Governor appealed to residents of the state, particularly the youth, to remain calm, refrain from taking the law into their own hands, and allow the relevant authorities to take charge.

Bologi Ibrahim

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Niger State

17 September 2026