Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, prompting the suspension of the state commandant and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The victims were among scores of people arrested during enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026. (TheCable)
The NSCDC initially said the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak. However, authorities have said the exact cause of death has yet to be established and that medical examinations and autopsies will be conducted. (Channels Television)
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed the deaths and described the incident as “sad” and “tragic.”
“The most important is that people died in the custody of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corps. They were detained in their cells, and this morning we woke up to the news that 37 of them had died,” Bago said. (Channels Television)
The state government has established a committee of inquiry to investigate the incident. The committee will oversee forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, to determine the scientific cause of the deaths. (Channels Television)
Commandant Suspended
The Federal Government has suspended Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, pending the outcome of a full investigation.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension after the deaths were reported.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the Interior Ministry said. (Reuters)
The police have also commenced an investigation into the deaths at the NSCDC detention facility. (Premium Times Nigeria)
Conflicting Accounts Over Cause of Death
While the NSCDC cited a suspected disease outbreak, some survivors reportedly gave a different account, alleging that the detainees died from suffocation. Reports have also raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility. The official cause of death remains subject to medical investigation. (AP News)
The incident has triggered protests in Minna, with residents and relatives of the deceased demanding answers and justice. Security forces were deployed as tensions rose over the deaths. (Reuters)
Authorities have appealed for calm while investigations continue.
