37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody as Survivors Describe Struggle for Air

At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, after survivors alleged that detainees struggled for air inside an overcrowded cell.

The victims were among suspects arrested during NSCDC operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. 

Reports said dozens of detainees were held at the NSCDC facility before the deaths were discovered on September 17.

One survivor, Dauda Shehu, said 65 people were held in the cell and that conditions became increasingly difficult as the detainees struggled to breathe. 

He alleged that those inside repeatedly banged on the cell door and called for help as some people began collapsing.

Another survivor described the room as small and extremely hot, saying additional detainees were brought into the cell after 17 people had initially been held there. 

He also alleged that a substance with a strong smell was sprayed inside shortly before the situation deteriorated.

The cause of the deaths remains under investigation. The NSCDC initially attributed the incident to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors have alleged suffocation, dehydration and poor ventilation. 

Authorities have said medical, laboratory and forensic examinations are necessary to establish what happened. 

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in custody and said preliminary findings had raised questions about possible exposure to hazardous substances. 

He stressed that the investigation would have to establish the scientific cause of death.

The deaths triggered protests in Minna, with residents and relatives demanding answers. 

The demonstrations later became violent in parts of the city, with reports of attacks on property and clashes involving security personnel. Authorities subsequently imposed restrictions to restore calm.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident. 

According to the Presidency, the probe will examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to the deaths.

The Federal Government also suspended Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, pending the investigation. 

Reports said other NSCDC personnel connected to the incident were also taken into custody for questioning.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, separately announced the deployment of a high-powered team to Niger State to investigate the deaths and establish the facts surrounding the incident. 

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also said the police would investigate the deaths in custody.

Families of some of the deceased have demanded independent investigations and clearer information about what happened to their relatives while they were in custody. 

The tragedy has also generated calls for accountability if the investigation establishes negligence or other wrongdoing.

The government has continued to stress that the deaths must be investigated while also maintaining its campaign against illegal mining. 

For now, the precise cause of the deaths remains unresolved, with official investigations expected to determine whether disease, overcrowding, suffocation, toxic exposure or another factor was responsible.