A coalition of civil society organisations has commended the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, for ordering an investigation into the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners following their arrest in Niger State.
The coalition, led by Stand Up Nigeria (SUN), said Audi’s response to the incident demonstrated a commitment to accountability, transparency and the protection of persons in the custody of the Corps.
In a statement on Friday, SUN National President, Sunny Attah, said the decision to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths was an important step towards establishing the facts of the incident.
The coalition also welcomed Audi’s directive that the Niger State Commandant step aside pending the outcome of the investigation, saying the measure would help ensure that the process is conducted without interference.
“We commend the Commandant General for responding promptly to this serious matter and for taking steps to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are thoroughly investigated,” the coalition said.
It urged Nigerians and the international community to exercise patience and allow the investigative and medical processes to be concluded, stressing that conclusions should be based on verified evidence.
The coalition said civil society organisations were closely monitoring developments and would make their assessment public when the findings of the investigation become available.
The NSCDC had, in a statement dated September 17, 2026, confirmed the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations conducted by its Niger State Command on September 15 and 16 in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis.
Following the incident, Audi constituted a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, the team was mandated to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, the period they spent in custody, their detention conditions, medical attention provided and other relevant factors.
The NSCDC said the remains of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the cause of death.
The Corps also cautioned against speculation over reports attributing the deaths to a particular disease, stressing that the cause could only be established through appropriate medical and laboratory examinations.
It expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and pledged to provide further information as verified findings emerge.
The civil society coalition called for a thorough and transparent investigation, adding that anyone found responsible for wrongdoing should be held accountable in accordance with the law.