Death of 33 miners in Niger: Police begin probe; Governor cancels APC rally, declares 3-day mourning
By Yahaya Isah/Mohammed Baba Busu
Minna, Sept. 17, 2026
The Commissioner of Police in Niger, Adamu Elleman, has ordered immediate investigation into the death of about 37 suspected illegal miners while in the detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger Command.
A statement by the Police Public Relations officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said this on Thursday in Minna.
Meanwhile, the state’s Governor, Mohammed Umaru-Bago, has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna.
The cancellation, announced in a statement issued by Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Bologi Ibrahim, on Thursday, followed the death of the miners.
Bago expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening and also declared a three-day mourning in honour of the victims.
The governor called on the people of the state to remain calm and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
He said the decision to suspend the rally was in recognition of the gravity of the incident and out of respect for the families and communities affected.
The governor assured the people that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would receive appropriate attention.
According to the Police spokesperson, the directive by the Commissioner of Police was as a result of the incident which occurred at the early hours of Sept. 17.
He said the CP has directed the DCP, SCID Minna to take charge of the investigation so as to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
The CP called on family members, relatives of the deceased, and members of the public who might have credible information that could aid the investigation process to come forward to SCID Minna with such.
He also urged members of the public, residents, family members and acquaintances of the victims to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperate and support the investigation.
CP Elleman assured the citizens that no stone would be left unturned towards unravelling the cause of the incident.
The CP stated that the Command remained committed to upholding human rights provisions as well as ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.
