IGP Visits Niger, Orders Thorough Probe into Deaths of 37 Suspected Miners

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited Niger State Governor Umar Bago over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu, who visited the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, September 18, 2026, said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The IGP described the incident as tragic and said the police had a responsibility to investigate deaths occurring in custody.

He assured residents that the investigation would be thorough and would not be compromised.

Disu also appealed for calm and warned residents against taking the law into their own hands. He said the police would increase patrols across Minna and other parts of the state to prevent further disturbances.

The IGP also visited locations connected to the incident as part of his assessment of the situation.

The deaths occurred after enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities around the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Niger State. The incident subsequently triggered protests in Minna, leading Governor Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew after reports of vandalism.

Governor Bago had disclosed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and said the state government had begun forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies to establish the cause of death.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered a full investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

President Bola Tinubu also directed a full and transparent investigation, ordering that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted.

The Federal Government has stated that anyone found responsible will not be protected.

The NSCDC has maintained that the exact cause of the deaths has yet to be established, with medical and forensic examinations still ongoing.