Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has raised concerns over his limited control of federal security agencies operating in the state, despite his constitutional designation as chief security officer. His remarks come amid scrutiny over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Naija News reports that Bago spoke during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he was questioned about the Niger State Government’s responsibility for the deaths and whether the incident could have been prevented. The governor acknowledged the seriousness of the issue but highlighted what he described as limitations in his authority over federal security institutions.

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Bago explained that agencies such as the NSCDC and the Nigeria Police Force do not report directly to him, but instead operate under the Federal Government. He argued that the state government has limited control over federal facilities, particularly detention centres, police stations and civil defence offices, where detainees may be held without the direct knowledge of state authorities.

The governor said the state government typically intervenes when complaints are brought forward by civil society organisations or members of the public. According to him, cases involving alleged unlawful detention may come to the attention of the Ministries of Justice or Women Affairs, or through court orders. He noted that authorities are often unaware of arrests unless such complaints are formally presented.

Bago’s comments come as the Federal Government investigates the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners, with the Niger State NSCDC commandant and 20 other officers suspended pending the outcome of an independent probe. The incident has renewed questions about oversight of detention facilities, the relationship between state governments and federal security agencies, and accountability for detainees held in custody.