Nigerian Police Probe Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Custody
Authorities have opened an investigation after 37 suspected illegal miners died in an NSCDC detention facility in Niger State. Three key points:
- 37 suspected illegal miners died in custody.
- Police have launched an investigation into the deaths.
- NSCDC cited a possible diphtheria outbreak, while an intelligence report raised overcrowding concerns.
The Nigerian Police have launched an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in custody in Niger State, northwestern Nigeria.
The deceased were among a group of young men arrested on Tuesday over alleged illegal mining activities near Borgu, an area known for small-scale gold mining.
According to local officials, the 37 detainees were found dead two days after their arrest inside a detention facility operated by the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The NSCDC has attributed the deaths to a possible outbreak of diphtheria, a serious bacterial infection that can be fatal.
However, an intelligence report shared with the AFP news agency suggested that overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility may have contributed to the deaths.
Relatives of the deceased have also disputed the official explanation, alleging that the men were deliberately killed.
Following the incident, the Niger State Police Command ordered an immediate investigation into what it described as the “unfortunate death” of the suspected illegal miners while in NSCDC custody.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the deaths as “sad and tragic” and announced three days of mourning.
The Governor also disclosed that an NSCDC commander had been detained in connection with the incident and that the start of campaigning for upcoming elections had been postponed.
The bodies of the deceased have been conveyed to a general hospital in Minna for examination.
Authorities and experts have linked illegal gold mining in Niger State to criminal gang activity, while a 2024 SwissAid report found that much of the gold extracted from the region enters global supply chains through trafficking networks.
