The Niger State Police Command has secured and cordoned off the scene where a number of artisanal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, as it commenced a full investigation into the incident.
The action followed a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, for the circumstances surrounding the deaths to be thoroughly investigated in line with the principles of accountability, transparency and respect for constitutional human rights.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command, CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, ordered the deployment of Operation Flush patrol teams to secure the facility and preserve the scene for investigation.
The command said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, had also commenced preliminary forensic investigations as part of efforts to establish what led to the deaths.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
According to him, the Police takeover was in furtherance of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to ensuring accountability, transparency and respect for human rights in the handling of the incident.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees and determine the sequence of events that preceded the fatalities.
The Police said all relevant facts and circumstances would be examined, while any responsibility established through the investigation would be addressed in accordance with extant laws and due process.
CP Elleman assured the families and relatives of the deceased, as well as members of the public, that the investigation would be conducted diligently and professionally.
He appealed for calm, patience and cooperation from members of the public as investigators carry out their duties, urging all concerned to allow the process to proceed without interference.
The command said any relevant findings arising from the investigation would be handled in accordance with the law.
The deaths have generated concern following the detention of suspected illegal artisanal miners at an NSCDC facility in Minna, with differing accounts emerging over the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The Police said its investigation is aimed at establishing the facts, including the circumstances and cause of the deaths, while ensuring that due process is followed in dealing with any issues arising from the findings.
The Niger State Police Command reiterated its commitment to accountability, transparency, protection of human rights and the administration of justice.
