FG Condoles Niger Over Wushishi Tragedy, Orders Thorough Investigation
Oru Leonard
ABUJA, September 18, 2026 — The Federal Government has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives following an incident involving persons arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the Federal Government’s condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the government and people of the state, traditional leaders and residents of Wushishi, as well as the families and loved ones of those who died.
In a statement signed by Rabiu Ibrahim,
Special Assistant (Media) to the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation on
Friday, September 18, 2026, Idris said the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians remains a solemn responsibility of government, stressing that the circumstances surrounding the deaths require a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation.
According to him, the Federal Government has already taken immediate steps to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the matter.
“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter,” Idris said.
He added that the investigation would be allowed to establish exactly what happened, assuring Nigerians that appropriate action would be taken based on its findings.
The Information Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, the economy and the environment.
He, however, stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.
Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
He assured the bereaved families and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shares in their grief and remains committed to establishing the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The Minister prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for Almighty Allah to grant their families, the Wushishi community and the government and people of Niger State the strength and fortitude to bear the loss.
Update on the incident
The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained during enforcement operations in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State. Reports indicate that up to 37 detainees died while in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody after their arrests on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC cited a suspected disease outbreak but said the actual cause of death remains subject to investigation. A survivor reportedly alleged overcrowded and poorly ventilated detention conditions.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended, while Amnesty International called for an independent and transparent investigation.
