The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Friday visited Niger State over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, pledging a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Disu, who paid a condolence visit to the state on September 18, 2026, was received by the Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state.
The 37 suspects were reportedly arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities but were later found dead in NSCDC custody in the early hours of Friday.
Describing the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent attention, the IGP assured the state government and the people of Niger State that the police would work to establish what led to the deaths.
“The Nigeria Police Force will leave no stone unturned in unravelling the cause of the incident,” Disu said.
The police chief called for close cooperation with the NSCDC leadership in the state and the committee constituted by the state government to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He stressed that deaths occurring in lawful custody constituted a grave matter, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the deaths had yet to be fully explained.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Bago thanked the IGP for his prompt intervention and condolence visit, confirming that the deceased had been arrested a day earlier over suspected illegal mining activities.
According to the governor, the suspects were subsequently found dead while in NSCDC custody, an incident he said had caused serious unrest in the state.
Bago said the state government was taking necessary steps to ensure a seamless investigation, adding that forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to assist in determining the cause of death.
The governor also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with the relevant security agencies investigating the incident.
Meanwhile, Disu appealed to residents, particularly the families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that violence could further complicate the situation.
He assured the families and residents that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights.
“The investigation will be conducted in strict adherence to the rule of law, due process, transparency, and respect for human rights, without any form of compromise,” the IGP assured.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting lives and property, and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody.
The Force also pledged to continue collaborating with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that the investigation is conducted in accordance with due process.
