Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, on Friday visited Niger State following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The miners were said to have been arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody in the early hours of September 18, 2026.
In a statement, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters, Abuja CSP Ani Iniedu said Disu, who was received by Niger State Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state, described the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent and thorough investigation.
The IGP assured the state government and residents that the Nigeria Police Force would leave no stone unturned in determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He called for close collaboration between the police, the NSCDC and the investigative committee constituted by the Niger State Government, stressing that deaths in lawful custody constituted a grave matter that could not be treated lightly.
Disu noted that the circumstances surrounding the deaths remained unclear and therefore required a transparent investigation to establish what happened and determine the cause of death.
Governor Bago, in his remarks, thanked the IGP for his prompt intervention and condolence visit. He confirmed that the deceased had been arrested over suspected illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody.
The governor said the incident had generated serious unrest in the state, assuring that the government was taking all necessary steps to facilitate a seamless investigation. He disclosed that forensic examinations and autopsies were expected to assist authorities in establishing the cause of death.
Bago also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with security agencies and other authorities involved in the investigation.
The IGP appealed to residents, particularly relatives of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding, warning that violence could further complicate efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He assured the families and people of Niger State that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights.
Disu reiterated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody, while pledging continued collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident are fully established.
