Between Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State carried out what it called a “burst operation” against illegal mining in the Wushishi-Lukoto area west of Minna, and arrested dozens of suspects. By Thursday, September 17, 37 of those detained were found dead inside the NSCDC detention facility.
The NSCDC’s Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the deaths were caused by a suspected disease outbreak, with the suspected disease being diphtheria.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, who confirmed the death toll at 37 during a Thursday press conference in Minna, however, said the cause of death hadn’t been officially established, and it was too early to draw conclusions.
Bago disclosed that investigators were examining several possible causes, including exposure to hazardous chemicals. Meanwhile, an AFP intelligence report suggests overcrowding and poor ventilation inside the detention facility may be the reason for the deaths.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has since suspended Commandant Aniviye pending the outcome of the investigation.
Families of the deceased are not buying it and are questioning how a sudden infection could kill dozens of healthy youths in a single night while leaving facility guards untouched. The bodies have been taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for autopsy.
The NSCDC’s Commandant General, Professor Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered an internal panel, led by the Deputy Commandant General for Intelligence and Investigation, to examine the arrests, detention conditions, medical care provided, and the circumstances of the deaths.
Separately, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has opened its own investigation, with its spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirming this on Thursday, September 17.
The deaths have triggered protests in Niger State, with families and residents gathering at Minna General Hospital and demanding answers. Some protesters are calling for criminal charges if negligence is confirmed.
Niger State is rich in gold and attracts thousands of small-scale miners, many of whom are from poor communities. Security agencies have stepped up raids on illegal mining sites in recent years, arguing the informal trade is helping smuggling and armed criminal activity.
A 2024 SwissAid report found much of the region’s gold moves through global supply chains largely untracked, which is part of why crackdowns like this one keep happening.
As of the time of this report, we don’t know the actual cause of death, and that shouldn’t take long to establish. Both investigations need to conclude quickly, and whoever’s responsible needs to be held accountable for their actions or inactions.
What do you think about this?
Drop your opinion in the comment section.
FOLLOW US & Share this with someone who needs to see this.
