…Probe panel submits report to Interior Minister as questions mount over deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger
ABUJA, Nigeria — Asphyxiation caused the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, a federal government investigative committee has found.
Chairman of the Independent Investigative Committee and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, disclosed the finding on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
The development marks a significant step in the investigation into the deaths of the 37 detainees, who died on September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna.
The deceased were among dozens of persons arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
The finding of asphyxiation identifies the cause of death established by the committee, but further details are needed to explain the circumstances in which the detainees were deprived of adequate oxygen and whether any failures or misconduct contributed to the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have raised questions about the conditions under which the suspects were detained and the measures taken by the authorities to safeguard their lives while in custody.
The submission of the report to Tunji-Ojo places the committee’s findings before the ministry responsible for overseeing the NSCDC, potentially paving the way for further action, depending on the recommendations contained in the report.
However, the information available from the committee’s presentation does not establish whether the deaths resulted from overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, exposure to a confined space or another condition that restricted the victims’ access to oxygen.
It is also unclear from the details provided whether the panel identified individuals or institutions responsible, recommended disciplinary measures or proposed criminal investigations.
The full contents of the report, including its account of how the deaths occurred and any recommendations for accountability, will be crucial to determining the next steps in the case.
The incident occurred against the backdrop of enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal mining, an activity that has attracted government attention over concerns about regulatory compliance and the exploitation of mineral resources.
While the detainees were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining, the committee’s findings on their deaths raise a separate question of responsibility for the safety and treatment of persons held in state custody.
Further details from the report are expected to clarify the immediate circumstances of the deaths and whether the committee recommended measures to prevent a recurrence.
