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Niger State: 37 detainees die in NSCDC custody
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is under investigation following the deaths of 37 detainees in Minna, Niger State. The deceased were among approximately 66 individuals arrested during operations against suspected illegal artisanal gold mining on September 15 and 16, 2026.
While the NSCDC initially suggested a disease outbreak might be responsible, survivors have provided conflicting accounts. Some survivors reported severe breathing difficulties caused by unbearable heat and overcrowding in poorly ventilated cells, while others alleged that a guard sprayed a scented substance into the room before detainees began to struggle for air.
The Federal Government has responded by suspending the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 20 other officers. A 10-member independent committee has been established to investigate the circumstances of the deaths, determine responsibility, and recommend actions including potential compensation. The NSCDC has also detained 24 personnel in connection with the incident and ordered its flag to fly at half-mast for three days.
Entities
Ahmed Abubakar Audi · Femi Falana · Minna · Muslim Rights Concern · Nasiru Mu’azu · Niger State · Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps · Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo · Shehu Sani · Subaru Siyaka Aniviye · Suberu Aniviye · Suberu Siyaka Aniviye
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] Survivor Sadiq Sani alleged that a guard sprayed a scented substance into the cell before detainees struggled to breathe.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Niger State Government has ordered forensic examinations and autopsies. thenicheng.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers and the state commandant as part of an investigation. www.naijanews.com · primanews.org
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded justice and compensation for the families of the 37 deceased miners. ait.live
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Survivor Dauda Shehu stated that detainees experienced severe breathing difficulties due to unbearable heat.
- [● 6 SOURCES] The deceased were among 66 suspected illegal artisanal gold miners arrested during raids on September 15 and 16. thepodiummedia.com · www.naijanews.com · thenicheng.com
- [● 13 SOURCES] 37 suspected illegal artisanal miners died while in the custody of the NSCDC in Minna, Niger State. thenicheng.com · www.naijanews.com · thepodiummedia.com · ait.live · solacebase.com · +7 more
- [● 5 SOURCES] The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. thenicheng.com · www.naijanews.com · thepodiummedia.com · theglittersonline.com.ng · primanews.org
- [● 3 SOURCES] The NSCDC has detained 24 personnel in connection with the deaths. solacebase.com · authorityngr.com · www.naijanews.com