37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody as Niger Orders Investigation

A major investigation has been launched in Niger State after 37 people suspected of illegal mining reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The victims were among people arrested during enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026. The deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17, according to authorities. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear. The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, but its national headquarters said the actual cause had not been conclusively established and would require medical and laboratory examinations. The remains were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for examination as authorities began efforts to establish what happened to the detainees while they were in custody. Following the incident, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending a full investigation. The minister described the development as unfortunate and said the investigation would determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The NSCDC has also established an investigative team headed by its Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. Investigators are expected to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions in which they were held and the medical attention they received. The Niger State Government has also constituted a committee of inquiry and ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to determine the exact cause of death. Governor Mohammed Bago said the state would work to establish the identities of the deceased and engage with their families during the investigation. The government has also ordered the closure of illegal mining activities around the affected mining site. The development has generated anger and concern in Minna, with protests reported after news of the deaths emerged. Reuters reported that residents took to the streets, while security was tightened around parts of the city. Amnesty International has called for an independent investigation into the incident, urging authorities to examine not only the cause of death but also the circumstances of the arrests and the conditions in which the suspects were detained. The organisation also called for justice and effective remedies for the families if wrongdoing is established. For now, authorities have yet to announce the confirmed medical cause of the deaths. The results of the autopsies and ongoing investigations are expected to provide answers to the families and the wider public about what happened inside the detention facility. The incident has also renewed attention on Nigeria’s battle against illegal mining and the need to ensure that enforcement operations are carried out while the rights and welfare of detainees are protected.