RDI Demands Probe Into Deaths Of 33 Suspected Illegal Miners In NSCDC Custody

The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) has called on the Federal Government to investigate the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The call followed the incident on Thursday, September 17, 2026, which Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described as “sad and tragic” during a press conference.

The NSCDC had said it conducted a “burst operation” on September 15 and 16 at M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto Village, an area known for small-scale gold mining activities, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining.

According to RDI, unverifiable reports indicated that about 65 suspects were arreste...