37 Miners Dead in NSCDC Custody | Survivor Speaks | Bribe Allegation Emerges | Commandant Suspended | Minna Erupts in Protest
A mining-enforcement operation in Niger State has taken a tragic turn, with 37 suspected illegal miners dying while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The deaths occurred after scores of suspects were arrested during operations against illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
But beyond the official figures, a survivor’s account has raised disturbing questions about what happened inside the detention facility.
Dauda Shehu, one of the survivors, reportedly described a terrifying scene in which detainees struggled to breathe inside an overcrowded cell.
According to his account, those inside began desperately searching for fresh air, while some reportedly banged on the cell door and called for help.
The account has fuelled concerns over whether overcrowding and inadequate ventilation contributed to the deaths.
‘There Was No Air’
Shehu’s account paints a picture of panic inside the detention facility.
He reportedly said the detainees were packed into the cell, leaving inadequate room and ventilation.
As the situation deteriorated, some detainees allegedly began gasping for air.
The survivor said efforts were made to alert security personnel, but the crisis continued.
The account is yet to be independently established in its entirety and is now part of the wider questions surrounding the deaths.
Bribe Allegation Deepens Controversy
The tragedy has also been accompanied by allegations that money was demanded from some of the miners.
Some accounts have alleged that officials demanded payments in connection with the release of detainees, while another account cited a demand of ₦150,000 for each mining pit.
Reuters separately reported an allegation from the mother of one deceased detainee that ₦100,000 was demanded for his release.
These claims remain allegations and have not been established as fact.
The investigation will therefore be crucial in determining whether any improper payments were demanded and whether such demands had any connection with the arrests or subsequent detention.
NSCDC Cites Possible Disease Outbreak
The NSCDC initially said it suspected a disease outbreak may have contributed to the deaths.
However, other accounts have raised the possibility of overcrowding, inadequate ventilation and exposure to hazardous substances associated with mining activities.
Authorities have said medical and forensic examinations are necessary before the actual cause of death can be conclusively determined.
The bodies were reportedly taken to Minna General Hospital for examination.
Commandant Suspended
The Federal Government has moved to investigate the incident.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The development followed mounting public concern over how 37 people could die while in the custody of a government security agency.
Minna Erupts
The deaths triggered anger in Minna on Friday, September 18.
Protesters took to the streets demanding answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Security personnel were deployed as the protest escalated, with reports of clashes between protesters and security forces.
The incident has consequently moved beyond a mining-enforcement operation into a wider public controversy over detention conditions, alleged extortion, accountability and the treatment of suspects in custody.
FULL TIMELINE: HOW THE MINING TRAGEDY UNFOLDED
September 15 — Crackdown Begins
NSCDC personnel launched enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State.
The operation targeted mining locations around M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto.
Several people were arrested.
September 16 — More Arrests
The operation continued into September 16, with additional suspects taken into custody.
The detainees were subsequently held at an NSCDC facility in Minna.
September 17 — 37 Detainees Die
The tragedy became public on September 17 when authorities confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in custody.
The NSCDC cited a possible disease outbreak while investigations and medical examinations were initiated.
September 17 — Survivor Breaks Silence
A surviving detainee, Dauda Shehu, reportedly described the conditions inside the detention facility.
He said detainees were overcrowded and struggled to breathe.
His account raised questions about ventilation and the conditions in which the suspects were held.
September 18 — Federal Government Steps In
The Interior Ministry ordered an investigation and suspended the Niger State NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
Authorities also continued efforts to establish the precise cause of the deaths.
September 18 — Anger Hits Minna
Protests erupted in Minna following the deaths.
Demonstrators demanded accountability and answers from the authorities.
September 18 — Three Days of Mourning
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared three days of mourning for the victims.
He said authorities needed to establish the actual cause of the deaths through medical and forensic investigations.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The investigation is expected to determine:
- What caused the deaths of the 37 detainees;
- Whether overcrowding or poor ventilation contributed;
- Whether any hazardous mining chemicals were involved;
- Whether adequate medical attention was provided;
- How many people were held in the detention cell;
- Whether money was demanded from detainees or their relatives;
- Whether any officials violated detention procedures; and
- Who should be held responsible if wrongdoing is established.
For now, the 37 deaths are confirmed, but the definitive medical cause remains under investigation.
The survivor’s testimony could become an important part of the investigation, particularly in establishing what happened inside the detention facility during the final moments of those who died.
The unanswered question remains: how did 37 people arrested over alleged illegal mining end up dead inside government custody within days of their arrest?
