37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in Nigerian Custody as Survivors Recount Ordeal

Deaths in Detention

At least 37 people suspected of illegal mining have died while in the custody of Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, triggering a government investigation and growing calls for answers. The detainees were arrested during operations targeting illegal mining sites on September 15 and 16 before some were found dead in custody the following day. The official cause of death has not yet been established.

Survivor Describes Conditions

Dauda Shehu, a 29-year-old miner who survived the detention, described the conditions inside the facility as extremely difficult. He said detainees were packed into an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell, leaving many struggling to breathe and sweating heavily because of the heat. Shehu said one detainee fainted and was revived by fellow prisoners, but their requests for assistance from NSCDC officers were allegedly ignored.

‘Only by the Grace of God’

Shehu said he believes he survived because of divine intervention. He described the experience as terrifying and said the detainees feared they could die inside the cell. His account has raised questions about the conditions under which the miners were held, although his allegations have not been independently established as the cause of the deaths. Other survivors have also alleged mistreatment inside the detention facility.

Cause of Death Remains Unknown

The NSCDC initially suggested that the deaths may have been linked to a suspected disease outbreak. However, survivors and families have raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation. Authorities have stressed that the actual cause remains subject to investigation. The Nigerian government has ordered a comprehensive probe, while medical examinations and investigations are being used to establish what happened.

Government Suspends Officers

Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC commandant and 20 other officers connected to the incident. The suspensions will remain in place while investigators examine the arrests, detention conditions and circumstances surrounding the deaths. The government said the measures were taken following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation.

Independent Committee Investigates

A 10-member independent committee has been established to determine the identities of those who died, examine how they were arrested and detained, establish the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and determine whether negligence, misconduct or other responsibility was involved. The committee has been given two weeks to complete its work and submit its findings to the Interior Ministry.

Protests Follow Deaths

The deaths sparked protests in Minna, the capital of Niger State, with demonstrators demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the incident. Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, while authorities imposed a curfew following unrest. President Tinubu has said the investigation should proceed without interference as officials seek to establish what happened.

Illegal Mining Remains a Major Issue

Illegal mining is a persistent problem in Nigeria, particularly across parts of the north-central and northwestern regions. The country’s mineral wealth, including gold, has attracted large numbers of informal miners, while authorities have intensified efforts to shut down unlicensed operations.

Links to Armed Groups

Security analysts have linked illegal mining in some parts of northern Nigeria to criminal networks and armed groups involved in kidnapping and other forms of organised crime. The illicit mining trade can provide revenue for such groups, making enforcement a major security challenge. At the same time, the deaths in custody have raised renewed concerns about how authorities conduct operations against illegal miners and protect detainees once they are arrested.

Investigation Underway

With the official cause of death still unresolved, the government investigation is expected to determine whether the deaths resulted from medical conditions, detention conditions, alleged mistreatment or other factors. The findings will also determine whether further action should be taken against officials involved in the arrests and detention of the miners.