Protests have erupted in parts of Minna, Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The protesters took to the streets on Friday, with demonstrations reported around areas including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road. Some protesters reportedly damaged government property and destroyed campaign posters as tension rose over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Security personnel were deployed across parts of the state capital as authorities moved to prevent further unrest. Reuters reported that security forces fired live ammunition during the protests, while other reports said tear gas was used to disperse demonstrators.
The 37 victims were among people arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State on September 15 and 16. The detainees were held at an NSCDC facility in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.
The Niger State Government has confirmed the deaths and constituted a committee of inquiry to establish what happened.
Governor Umaru Bago said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the scientific cause of death.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain disputed. The NSCDC’s Niger State Command initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the corps later cautioned against reaching conclusions about the cause before medical and laboratory examinations were completed.
Reports have also raised questions about the conditions in which the detainees were held, with a survivor alleging that the cell was overcrowded and poorly ventilated. Those claims are part of the issues being examined by investigators and have not established the official cause of death.
The Federal Government has now ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo directed NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi to conduct what he described as a transparent and unhindered investigation.
Following the directive, Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye was suspended and ordered to report to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja to appear before the investigative panel. Several senior officers responsible for operations, mining, legal affairs, intelligence and investigation were also directed to report to the panel. A new commandant has been ordered to take charge of the state command.
The NSCDC said its investigation would examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Niger State Government has also declared three days of mourning for the victims and cancelled an APC political rally scheduled for Minna.
Authorities have appealed for calm as the investigations continue.
The protests and official investigations come amid growing public concern over how the detainees died and whether appropriate measures were taken while they were in custody. No definitive cause of death has been publicly established as of Friday, September 18, 2026.
The investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.
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