Tragedy Strikes Niger: 37 Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody, Top Officials Suspended Amidst Outcry

A tragic incident in Niger State, Nigeria, has led to the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna. The deaths, which occurred following arrests on September 15 and 16 during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas, have triggered widespread condemnation and a multi-faceted investigation from federal and state authorities.

President Bola Tinubu swiftly ordered a comprehensive, urgent, and transparent investigation into the incident, emphasizing that even suspects of illegal mining retain their fundamental rights to life, dignity, and humane treatment. He directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse, negligence, or dereliction of duty must be arrested and prosecuted, stressing that accountability is non-negotiable and administrative suspensions should not substitute for criminal responsibility. The President appealed for calm from affected families and communities, assuring that the government would pursue the truth based on credible evidence.

The Federal Government responded by deploying a team of mining and technical experts from the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development to Niger State. Led by Permanent Secretary Faruk Yabo, the delegation, representing Minister Dele Alake, aimed to establish the facts, determine contributing factors, and produce a detailed report covering the circumstances before, during, and after the victims' detention. Minister Alake also expressed deep condolences and called for a thorough, transparent, and independent inquiry.

Survivors of the detention facility provided harrowing accounts of their ordeal, describing an overcrowded cell with severe lack of ventilation. Dauda Shehu, one survivor, recounted how detainees struggled to breathe, repeatedly screamed for help, and banged on the cell door, but their pleas were ignored by the guards. Another survivor alleged that NSCDC personnel sprayed a liquid substance before locking them up, causing coughing and sneezing, further exacerbating the dire conditions.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago confirmed the deaths and ordered his own inquiry. He disclosed observations such as blood and foam in the victims’ mouths, and burns on some bodies, suggesting possible poisoning, suffocation, methane, or lead exposure, in addition to overcrowding and dehydration. The governor stated that forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were ordered to establish the scientific cause of death. He lamented the incident as "callous and reckless" for detaining 67 individuals in an NSCDC cell for over 24 hours.

In the wake of the tragedy, administrative actions were taken. The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, along with 20 other officers involved in the arrest, investigation, legal, and custodial duties. A new Commandant, Abdullahi Salisu Kabara, has since been deployed to the Niger State Command, who expressed sadness over the loss of lives and reiterated the Corps' commitment to upholding the dignity, safety, and welfare of persons in custody. Minister Tunji-Ojo also constituted a 10-member independent committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director General Jonathan Kure, with Isa Chiroma as secretary, to investigate the identities of the deceased, the circumstances of their arrests, detention, cause of death, determine responsibility, and recommend preventive measures and compensation. The committee was given two weeks to submit its report.

The incident ignited public anger and protests in parts of Minna, with mobs blocking roads and attacking public and private properties, including a state transport depot, a bank, and political party offices. In response, Governor Bago imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew across Minna to contain the unrest. Furthermore, he announced a temporary suspension of all mining activities across Niger State, pending the outcome of the investigations, urging stakeholders to strengthen regulation and prioritize human lives in efforts to combat illegal mining. The Northern Nigeria Governors Forum (NNGF) also called for a thorough and transparent investigation, extending condolences and stressing the value of every human life.

Families of the deceased, some of whom were as young as 12 to 18 years old, have demanded answers, justice, and compensation. Mallam Abdullahi, who lost his son Salim, the family breadwinner, called for an explanation for their children's deaths. Musa Aliyu, a sick 50-year-old man, tragically lost two of his children, aged 17 and 12, who supported his medication. The government has assured bereaved families and the public of its commitment to uncovering the truth and ensuring appropriate action based on credible evidence, vowing to prevent such a tragedy from recurring.