Susan Abayomi
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has confirmed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were being held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
The deaths have sparked protests and heightened tension in the Niger State capital, prompting the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew to restore calm and prevent further escalation.
The victims were among suspects arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026. The NSCDC initially reported that some detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17 and said a suspected disease outbreak was being considered.
However, the Corps later clarified that the actual cause of the deaths had not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations would be required to determine what happened.
Governor Bago, while addressing journalists in Minna, described the incident as tragic and announced the establishment of a committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC commandant in Niger State and members of his team have also been suspended pending the outcome of investigations. The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has separately deployed a team to investigate the incident and produce a report on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The development triggered protests in several parts of Minna, with demonstrators expressing anger over the deaths. Reports indicate that government facilities and some private businesses were damaged during the unrest, prompting increased deployment of security personnel across the city.
In response, Governor Bago announced a 24-hour curfew across Minna, effective after Friday prayers, as authorities moved to contain the situation and restore normalcy.
The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, also visited Niger State and met with Governor Bago over the incident. The police have commenced an investigation aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Authorities have urged residents and the families of the deceased to remain calm while investigations continue.
The cause of the deaths remains officially undetermined, with authorities expected to rely on the ongoing investigations and medical examinations to establish what led to the fatalities.
