Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has provided additional details on the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Addressing journalists on Friday, Governor Bago stated that some of the victims were found with foam or blood in their mouths. He noted that this could indicate poisoning or suffocation. He further revealed that burns were observed on the bodies of some of the deceased.
“We just woke up to the news of the deaths; we don’t know what happened. Some of the victims were found with foam or blood in their mouths, which could indicate poisoning or suffocation. We are not sure,” the Governor said.
He added: “Samples were taken from some of them before they were buried. There were burns on the bodies of some. We really don’t know what happened, but investigation will unravel the truth.”
Governor Bago explained that 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16, 2026, and held in a single cell. The deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17.
Possible causes under investigation include suffocation due to overcrowding in the detention cell and exposure to hazardous chemicals associated with illegal mining activities.
The Governor confirmed that the NSCDC Commandant in Niger State and members of his team have been suspended to allow for a thorough probe. Forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies are ongoing. Multiple investigative committees, including those set up by the state government, the police and other security agencies, are examining the circumstances.
The incident triggered protests in Minna, prompting the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew to maintain public order.