The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced a preliminary investigation into the deaths of about 33 persons suspected to be artisanal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The Commission said the deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026. According to the NHRC, the bodies of the deceased were subsequently deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding their deaths while in custody. Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, described the development as a matter requiring urgent and transparent investigation, saying the NHRC had ordered a preliminary probe to establish the cause and circumstances of the deaths. Ojukwu also called for an independent forensic autopsy on the bodies and the preservation of all evidence.
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