At least 37 illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The deaths have sparked protests and calls for an investigation.
The suspects were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. The NSCDC said officials discovered the deaths in the early hours of September 17.
The NSCDC initially said the detainees may have died following a suspected disease outbreak. However, authorities have not established the actual cause of death. Medical experts took the bodies to Minna General Hospital for examinations and autopsies.
37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in Custody
A survivor, Dauda Shehu, told the Associated Press that authorities held about 65 detainees in an overcrowded, poorly ventilated cell. He said detainees struggled to breathe and attempted to attract the attention of guards.
The account has raised questions about how authorities treated the suspects in detention. However, authorities have not confirmed that suffocation was responsible for the deaths, and the NSCDC has said it will await the outcome of medical examinations before determining the cause.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago constituted a committee to investigate the incident and ordered forensic examinations and autopsies. He also declared three days of mourning for the victims.
Protests Erupt as Investigation Begins
The deaths triggered protests in Minna, with residents and relatives of some of the victims demanding answers. Reuters reported that security forces used live ammunition during clashes with protesters, while the Associated Press reported that police fired tear gas as demonstrators gathered near the NSCDC office.
The Federal Government has since suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye. It also ordered a full investigation into the incident.
The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team. The team will examine the arrests, detention conditions and medical care provided to the suspects.
Amnesty International has called for an independent, impartial and transparent investigation, particularly because some of the victims were reportedly minors.
Investigators and medical experts are expected to establish what caused the deaths. Investigators may also determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.