President Tinubu Orders Investigation into Miners' Deaths
On September 15 and 16, 2026, 65 illegal miners were arrested in Niger State during a raid on two mining sites. Tragically, 37 of these miners died within 48 hours of their detention in a poorly ventilated cell.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) initially attributed the deaths to an unknown disease without providing a medical report. Following public protests, NSCDC Commander Suberu Aniviye was suspended, and 24 officials were arrested in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu ordered the formation of a 10-member investigative panel to examine the conditions leading to the fatalities, focusing on cell conditions and medical care. The president emphasized that preliminary suspensions are not a substitute for a thorough investigation.
Survivors, including Dauda Shehu, reported that a toxic substance may have been introduced into the cell, suggesting potential foul play. The investigation aims to uncover the owners of the mining sites and address the negligence of NSCDC personnel.
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