Minister Dele Alake Deploys Investigators as Atiku, Rights Groups Demand Justice for 37 Miners Who Died in NSCDC Custody

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has deployed a high-powered team of officials to Niger State to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.

The victims were arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities. They were found dead in the early hours of September 17.

In a statement released on Friday, Alake expressed profound shock and extended his heartfelt condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.

“It is with profound shock and deep sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the entire people of the state over the tragic loss of lives among detained citizens in Minna,” Alake said.

The minister emphasized the need for a thorough and independent inquiry to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence in detention facilities.

“A thorough, transparent, and independent inquiry is vital to ensure accountability and prevent any recurrence of such distress in our detention and correctional facilities,” he stated.

Alake confirmed that the investigation team would collaborate with other investigators to provide a comprehensive report on the incident.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also demanded an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths, saying the victims deserved protection and dignity while in government custody.

“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” Atiku said in a statement posted on X.

He commended the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, but stressed that the suspension should only be the beginning.

“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public,” Atiku said . “Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable”.

The former Vice President said the families of the deceased deserve more than condolences.

“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” he said.

The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak inside the detention facility.

“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” Aniviye said.

However, the actual cause of death has not been conclusively established. Governor Bago said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to determine the scientific cause of the deaths.

The governor cautioned against premature conclusions, saying possible causes being examined included suffocation from overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has constituted a high-powered investigative panel led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.

The panel has been mandated to examine the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.

NSCDC spokesperson Babawale Afolabi said the investigation would cover every stage of the case.

The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.

A new commandant, Abdulhamid Kabara, has been deployed to take over the Niger State Command.

Kabara expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased.

“At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters,” Kabara said.