Tragedy Strikes: IGP Promises Thorough Investigation into Deaths of 37 Miners in Niger Custody - FIRST AWARENESS

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Friday, September 18, 2026

Tragedy Strikes: IGP Promises Thorough Investigation into Deaths of 37 Miners in Niger Custody

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, visited Niger State Governor Umar Bago to address the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). 

Disu assured that the police would conduct a comprehensive investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident. He described the event as deeply concerning and emphasized the police’s commitment to uncovering the truth.

“I am here because of the tragic incident where we lost 37 citizens of Minna. We will leave no stone unturned to unravel the situation that led to these deaths,” he stated during his visit to the Niger State Government House in Minna.

The IGP confirmed that the police would collaborate with the NSCDC and the state government, which has already formed a committee to investigate the incident. He stressed the seriousness of deaths in custody, particularly given the significant number of victims.

Disu urged residents to remain calm and assured them that the investigation would be thorough and transparent. He warned against any attempts to take the law into their own hands and pledged to increase patrols to maintain law and order.

The incident has sparked widespread unrest, leading Governor Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew after demonstrators vandalized public and private properties in response to the deaths. 

The Niger State government is conducting forensic examinations and autopsies to determine the cause of the miners' deaths, which occurred during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi-Lukoto area.

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has called for a full-scale investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome. 

President Bola Tinubu has also demanded a transparent inquiry, stating that anyone found responsible for negligence or abuse leading to the fatalities should face arrest and prosecution. 

As the investigation unfolds, the police and state authorities are under pressure to ensure accountability and restore public trust in law enforcement. The NSCDC has yet to establish a definitive cause for the deaths, with medical and forensic examinations ongoing.

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