Illegal Mining Suspects Die in Custody, NSCDC Orders Investigation

Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has set up a panel to investigate the mysterious deaths of alleged illegal miners arrested in Niger State.

This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, issued on Thursday in Abuja.

The Niger State Commissioner of Police, Elleman Adamu, has similarly ordered the immediate commencement of an investigation into the incident, according to a separate statement by the state Police Spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun.

Afolabi confirmed that the suspects died while in custody, following their arrest in parts of Niger State for alleged illegal mining operations on Tuesday and Wednesday. "The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation's natural resources," he said.

Following the development, Afolabi said Audi has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team to immediately examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. "The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident," he said.

According to Afolabi, the remains of the deceased have been deposited at a General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death. He added that the corps is also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.

"The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established," the spokesman said.

The PRO further revealed that the Commandant General has directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, adding that necessary measures are also being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the deceased.

Audi extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts. "While the NSCDC remains resolute in its mandate to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria's critical national assets, the Corps also remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody," he said.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to run their course, assuring that "the Corps will provide further updates as verified information becomes available."