By TQM News,
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has visited Niger State following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), pledging a transparent and thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The miners reportedly died in the early hours of Friday, September 18, 2026, after being arrested a day earlier over alleged illegal mining activities.
The incident has sparked serious concern and unrest in the state, prompting calls for accountability and an urgent investigation into the cause of the deaths.
IGP Meets Niger Governor, Assures Public of Justice
During his condolence visit to Niger State on Friday, IGP Disu was received by the Executive Governor, Muhammad Umar Bago, alongside other dignitaries and heads of security agencies in the state.
Expressing his condolences to the government and people of Niger State, the police chief described the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent attention.
He assured the governor and residents that the Nigeria Police Force would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
According to him, deaths in lawful custody constitute a grave matter that must be thoroughly investigated, particularly as the exact cause of the fatalities remains unclear.
The IGP called for close collaboration between the police, the NSCDC leadership in Niger State, and the committee established by the state government to investigate the incident.
Forensic Examinations, Autopsies to Determine Cause of Death
Governor Bago, while thanking the IGP for his prompt intervention, confirmed that the deceased were arrested over suspected illegal mining activities before they were found dead in NSCDC custody.
The governor disclosed that the incident had generated significant unrest across the state, assuring that necessary measures were being taken to facilitate a seamless investigation.
He further stated that forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to help establish the cause of death.
Governor Bago also pledged the full cooperation of the Niger State Government with relevant security agencies in the course of the investigation.
Disu Appeals for Calm, Promises Respect for Human Rights
Amid growing concerns over the incident, IGP Disu appealed to residents, particularly the families of the deceased, to remain calm and law-abiding.
He warned that violence could further complicate efforts to establish the truth and ensure justice.
The Inspector-General assured the public that the investigation would be conducted in accordance with the principles of the rule of law, due process, transparency, and respect for human rights.
He emphasized that there would be no compromise in the pursuit of the facts surrounding the deaths.
The Nigeria Police Force, in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Ani Iniedu, reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and safeguarding the rights and safety of persons in lawful custody.
The Force also pledged continued collaboration with relevant authorities to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths are properly investigated.
The Qualitative Magazine will continue to monitor developments as authorities work to establish what happened to the 37 miners and determine accountability where necessary.
