President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The deaths have triggered protests, a curfew, and widespread calls for an independent investigation as authorities work to establish what happened inside the detention facility.
The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the actual cause has not been established.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said it was too early to draw conclusions, noting that some of the victims were found with foam and blood around their mouths, while some had burns on their bodies.
He said possible causes being investigated include suffocation from overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances associated with illegal mining.
“We really don’t know what happened but investigation will unravel the truth,” Bago said.
The governor said forensic and medical examinations were being conducted to determine the cause of the deaths. He also ordered the suspension of all mining activities in Niger State pending the outcome of investigations.
Minna Erupts in Protest
The deaths sparked protests in Minna on Friday, with youths reportedly barricading major roads and attacking some government facilities.
Security operatives deployed tear gas to disperse protesters, while allegations also emerged that live ammunition was used during the unrest.
The state government subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew in parts of Minna, effective after Friday’s Jumat prayers.
Human rights organisation Global Rights called for an investigation into the alleged use of live ammunition, urging security agencies to respect the right to life and peaceful assembly.
NSCDC Commandant Suspended
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo pending the outcome of a full investigation.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and assured that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also visited Niger State and pledged a transparent investigation into the deaths.
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has deployed a team to Niger State to investigate the incident and establish the facts.
Tinubu Orders Transparent Probe
President Tinubu directed relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were held, the number of people detained, the medical attention provided, and the events leading to their deaths.
The President said any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse, or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity, and humane treatment while in government custody,” Tinubu said.
He also directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure that nobody interferes with the process.
Calls for Autopsy, Accountability
The incident has continued to generate reactions from political figures and civil society organisations.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called for an independent, thorough, and transparent investigation, insisting that the findings should be made public.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) demanded independent autopsies, disclosure of the identities and detention records of the deceased, compensation for their families, and prosecution of officials found responsible.
The Renevlyn Development Initiative (RDI) also called for immediate autopsies and publication of the findings.
Meanwhile, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris said the Federal Government would not shield anyone found culpable but warned against prejudging the investigation.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation,” Idris said.
With investigations now underway, authorities are expected to establish the identities of the deceased, the circumstances of their arrests and detention, the condition of the facility, and, most importantly, the actual cause of the 37 deaths.
