Death in custody: IGP Disu orders probe into deaths of 37 Niger miners

Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Niger State following the death of 37 miners who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after their arrest over alleged illegal mining activities.

Disu made the condolence visit to the state on Friday, September 18, 2026, amid concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths and growing tension in parts of the state.

On arrival, the Inspector-General was received by Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other government officials and heads of security agencies in the state.

The IGP described the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent and transparent investigation, assuring the state government, families of the deceased and residents that the Nigeria Police Force would work to establish what led to the deaths.

He called for close collaboration between the police, the NSCDC leadership and the committee established by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident.

According to Disu, deaths occurring in lawful custody constitute a grave matter, particularly because the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the miners have not yet been established.

He stressed the need for all relevant authorities to work together to determine the facts and ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with the law.

Governor Bago, while receiving the IGP, thanked him for the prompt intervention and condolence visit.

The governor said the deceased miners had been arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody.

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Bago said the incident had generated serious unrest in the state, adding that the state government was taking steps to ensure a comprehensive investigation.

He disclosed that forensic examinations and autopsies would form part of the investigative process to help establish the cause and circumstances of the deaths.

The governor also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with the police and other relevant security agencies investigating the incident.

Disu, meanwhile, appealed to residents and, particularly, the families of the deceased to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.

He warned that resorting to violence could further complicate an already sensitive situation.

The IGP assured the people of Niger State that the investigation would be conducted in line with the principles of rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights.

He also pledged that the police would collaborate with the NSCDC and other relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and ensure that the investigation is not compromised.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody.

The Force said it would continue to cooperate with relevant authorities as efforts intensify to determine what happened to the 37 miners and address the concerns arising from the incident.