The cause of the deaths remains under investigation. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors alleged suffocation and dehydration. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said preliminary forensic findings had raised the possibility of poisoning, but stressed that further examinations were required to establish what caused the deaths.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the incident, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant and other officers have been placed in custody pending investigation. Authorities are examining the arrests, conditions of detention, medical attention provided and events leading to the deaths.
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Summary
At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died after being detained in an overcrowded NSCDC cell in Minna, Niger State, prompting a government investigation into the circumstances of the deaths. At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, after dozens of detainees...
Key takeaways
- At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died after being detained in an overcrowded NSCDC cell in Minna, Niger State, prompting a government investigation into the circumstances of the deaths.
- At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, after dozens of detainees were held in an overcrowded cell.
- The miners were arrested during enforcement operations on September 15 and 16, with survivors alleging that the detention conditions became severely hot and poorly ventilated.The cause of the deaths remains under investigation.
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At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died after being detained in an overcrowded NSCDC cell in Minna, Niger State, prompting a government investigation into the circumstances of the deaths. At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, after dozens of detainees...
Who published this story?
Glow 99.1 FM published this story with GlowRy Atuah listed as author.
When was it published?
September 19, 2026
