By Emma Peter, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Niger State following the death of 37 miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The miners were said to have been arrested over alleged illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody in the early hours of Friday, September 18, 2026.
In a press statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the IGP paid a condolence visit to Niger State, where he was received by the state Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies.
Disu described the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent attention, assuring the Niger State Government and the people that the Nigeria Police Force would conduct a thorough investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He called for close cooperation between the police, the NSCDC leadership in the state and the committee constituted by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident.
The IGP stressed that deaths occurring in lawful custody were a grave matter that must be thoroughly investigated, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the deaths had yet to be established.
Governor Bago, according to the statement, thanked the IGP for his prompt intervention and condolence visit. He said the deceased were arrested a day earlier over suspected illegal mining activities and were subsequently found dead in NSCDC custody.
The governor said the incident had generated serious unrest in the state, adding that measures were being taken to ensure a seamless investigation. He noted that forensic examinations and autopsies would be carried out to assist in determining the cause of death.
Bago also pledged the full support of the Niger State Government to the relevant security agencies investigating the incident.
The IGP further appealed to residents, particularly the families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding, stressing that violence could further complicate the situation.
He assured 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, upholding the rule of law and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody, while pledging continued collaboration with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
