The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Niger State following the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Disu, who arrived in the state on Friday, September 18, 2026, paid a condolence visit to the Niger State Government and assured the people that the Nigeria Police Force would conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The IGP was received by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state.
Describing the incident as a tragedy required urgent attention, Disu said the Police would leave no stone unturned in determining what led to the deaths of the 37 suspects, who were reportedly arrested over alleged illegal mining activities.
He called for close cooperation between the Police, the NSCDC leadership and the committee constituted by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident.
The Inspector-General stressed that deaths occurring in lawful custody were grave matters that must be thoroughly investigated, particularly as the circumstances surrounding the deaths remained unclear.
Governor Bago, while thanking Disu for the prompt visit, said the deceased were arrested a day earlier over suspected illegal mining before they were found dead in NSCDC custody.
He said the incident had generated serious unrest in the state, adding that the government was taking necessary measures to facilitate a seamless investigation.
According to the governor, forensic examinations and autopsies would form part of the investigative process to help determine the cause of death. He also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with the relevant security agencies.
The IGP, meanwhile, appealed to residents, particularly families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding, warned that violence could further complicate the situation.
He assured the people that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the rule of law, due process, transparency and respect for human rights, without compromise.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody, while pledging continued collaboration with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
