37 Illegal Mining Suspects Die In Nigerian Custody, Cause Under Investigation

At least 37 people arrested on suspicion of illegal mining have died in the custody of Nigeria’s security agency in Niger State, triggering an investigation and renewed scrutiny of detention conditions in the country.

The victims were among suspects arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) on September 15 and 16 during operations against illegal mining. They were detained in Minna, where the deaths were reported on Thursday.

The NSCDC’s Niger State command initially said a suspected disease outbreak may have caused the deaths. However, authorities have not identified any disease and said medical and laboratory examinations are needed to establish the actual cause.

Survivor Dauda Shehu gave a different account, telling The Associated Press that around 65 detainees were packed into a poorly ventilated cell. He said detainees suddenly struggled to breathe and banged on the cell door while trying to get fresh air. An intelligence report cited by AFP also reportedly pointed to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation as possible factors, but neither has been confirmed as the cause of death.

The bodies have been sent to Minna General Hospital for examination and autopsies. Investigators are examining the suspects’ condition when they were arrested, their treatment in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided to them.

The Niger State NSCDC commander, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended pending the investigation, while Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced three days of mourning. Police have also opened a probe into the deaths.

Nigeria has a long history of deaths in custody, with rights groups previously documenting cases involving overcrowding, poor ventilation and inadequate medical care.

The incident has also sparked protests in Minna, with relatives and others demanding answers from authorities.

Illegal mining remains a major security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the north-central and northwest regions, where analysts have linked proceeds from the illicit trade to armed groups and kidnapping networks.

For now, the actual cause of the 37 deaths remains unconfirmed, with autopsies and investigations expected to establish whether disease, suffocation, chemical exposure or another factor was responsible.