Investigative Committee to Report on Niger Miners' Deaths

An independent investigative committee is set to submit its report regarding the deaths of over 30 miners in Niger State to the Minister of Interior on October 27, 2026, at 12:00 noon in the Honourable Minister’s Conference Room, Ministry of Interior. Journalists are expected to be seated by 11:35 am.

The investigation was prompted by the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Initially, the NSCDC suggested a suspected disease outbreak as the cause of death; however, its national headquarters later stated that the cause had not been conclusively established and required further medical and laboratory confirmation.

The federal government has declared that anyone found culpable will face justice. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and assured that the investigation would be thorough and impartial.

Immediate actions included the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.