Tunji-Ojo Arrives Niger Over Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has arrived in Niger State at the head of a Federal Government delegation following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The delegation is expected to condole with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State over the incident, which has triggered public concern and investigations by relevant authorities.

The visit comes as the Federal Government intensifies efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees, who were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident, stressing the need to establish the facts and ensure accountability.

The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has also been directed to step aside pending the outcome of the investigation. The NSCDC leadership has constituted a panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The cause of the deaths has not yet been officially established, with investigations ongoing to determine what happened while the suspects were in custody.

The Federal Government has urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative process to proceed without interference, assuring Nigerians that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly examined.

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