By Augustine Martha Kwaada
IGP Disu Visits Niger Over Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Niger State following the death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The miners reportedly died in the early hours of Thursday, September 18, 2026, after they were arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities.
Disu, who paid a condolence visit to the state on Thursday, said the deaths constituted a grave matter requiring an urgent and transparent investigation.
The IGP was received by the Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state.
Disu assured the governor and people of Niger State that the Nigeria Police Force would leave no stone unturned in determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He called for close cooperation between the police, NSCDC and the committee constituted by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident.
According to him, deaths in lawful custody cannot be treated lightly, particularly when the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear.
Governor Bago thanked the IGP for his prompt intervention, saying the deceased were arrested over suspected illegal mining before they were found dead in NSCDC custody.
The governor said the incident had generated serious unrest in the state, adding that the government had commenced measures to ensure a seamless investigation.
He disclosed that forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to help establish the cause of the deaths.
Bago also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with relevant security agencies investigating the incident.
The IGP, meanwhile, appealed to residents and, particularly, families of the deceased to remain calm and law-abiding.
He stressed that resorting to violence would only worsen the situation, assuring that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody.
The Force also pledged continued collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are fully established.
