37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody in Niger State

At least 37 suspected illegal miners, including teenagers, died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, following their arrest on September 15 and 16, 2026. The detainees were arrested during enforcement operations targeting illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas. NSCDC State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the NSCDC National Headquarters stated that the cause of death remained unconfirmed pending medical and laboratory examination.

Niger State Governor Umaru Bago confirmed the death toll of 37 persons and suspended the state commandant. One survivor, Dauda Shehu, alleged that 65 to 66 detainees were confined to a single cell with inadequate ventilation and limited access to water, suggesting overcrowding and poor detention conditions as contributing factors. Shehu stated that detainees drank urine due to lack of water access and that some deaths occurred during the night and morning of September 17. The bodies were transferred to Minna General Hospital for medical examination; seven other detainees were admitted to the facility in severe condition.

The NSCDC National Headquarters, led by Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed a high-powered investigative team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident. The investigation scope includes the condition of suspects upon arrest, duration in custody, detention conditions, medical care provided, and other circumstances surrounding the deaths. Niger State police also ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take charge of the probe. Governor Bago announced three days of state mourning. Protests erupted in Minna on Thursday evening, with residents blocking roads at Flamingo Junction and other areas; police responded by firing tear gas.