37 suspected illegal miners die in NSCDC custody in Niger State

Between 33 and 37 suspected illegal miners died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, following raids on illegal mining operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area on September 15–16, 2026. The deaths were discovered on September 17, with bodies sent to Minna General Hospital for medical examination. The official cause of death remains undetermined and subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

Authorities initially suggested a possible disease outbreak, but survivors and local sources attributed the deaths to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation in the detention cell. Dauda Shehu, a survivor hospitalized following the incident, stated that approximately 66 detainees were confined in a single cell without adequate ventilation. "We complained that the cell was too small to accommodate all of us, but they did not listen to us," Shehu told journalists. Another survivor reported that detainees "were jam-packed in the cell, no ventilation for us to breathe well" and that they banged on the cell door repeatedly appealing for help, but guards did not respond. Governor Umaru Bago confirmed 37 deaths and noted that many of the deceased were children aged 14 to 18.

President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive investigation and directed that any officials found culpable through action, abuse, or negligence be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo immediately suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye pending the investigation. The NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Abubakar Audi constituted a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation to examine the circumstances of the deaths, including the condition of detainees upon arrest, period in custody, detention conditions, and medical attention provided.

Proests erupted in Minna on Thursday evening, with youths chanting "Justice must be done" and some protesters attempting to set fire to government buildings. Police responded by deploying teargas and, according to witnesses, firing live rounds. A curfew was imposed in Minna beginning Friday at 6 p.m. local time. Governor Bago declared three days of mourning and announced that investigation results would be available within five days to three weeks.

The NSCDC stated that the detainees were suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations targeting illegal mining, which authorities say damages the environment and leads to losses of government revenue. The remains were released to families following initial examination, though hospital staff noted the bodies were initially laid on the mortuary floor. Seven other victims were admitted to the hospital's emergency unit with severe conditions.