At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State, following their arrest on September 15 and 16, 2026.

A survivor, Dauda Shehu, alleged that 65 detainees were kept in a poorly ventilated cell for three days, with some reportedly struggling to breathe and calling for help as conditions deteriorated. His account has not been established as the official cause of the deaths.

In response, the Federal Government has suspended 20 NSCDC officers, alongside the Niger State Commandant, pending the outcome of an independent investigation.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered probe.

The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths, and establish responsibility where applicable.