At least 37 people suspected of illegal mining have died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, sparking protests and raising questions over the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The victims were among more than 50 people arrested on Tuesday over suspected illegal mining activities around Borgu, an area known for small-scale gold mining.
According to NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi, the suspects had not been charged before the deaths because authorities were still carrying out profiling and documentation.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a possible outbreak of diphtheria. However, its national headquarters later said the cause of death had not yet been established.
An intelligence report cited by AFP suggested that overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility may have contributed to the deaths.
Relatives of some of the victims also alleged that the detainees had complained of extreme heat and poor ventilation before collapsing.
Abdullahi Dalhatu, whose son survived the incident, told the BBC that detainees were packed into an overcrowded cell and repeatedly called for help after some began fainting.
He alleged that his son survived because he was close to a small window, while one of his son’s friends reportedly collapsed and died.
The BBC said it had not independently verified the account.
Another relative told Nigerian media that his 17-year-old brother was among those who died, questioning how an infectious disease could have killed so many detainees without apparently affecting the security personnel guarding them.
The deaths have triggered unrest in Minna, the Niger State capital, with protesters reportedly attacking public buildings and public transport buses with stones and sticks. Police dispersed the protesters with tear gas.
Niger State Police Commissioner has ordered an investigation into what he described as the “unfortunate death” of the suspected illegal miners while in NSCDC custody.
The bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for examination, while the authorities continue to investigate the cause of death.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the incident as “sad and tragic” and disclosed that an NSCDC commander had been detained in connection with the incident.
The governor also declared three days of mourning and postponed the commencement of campaign activities for the forthcoming elections.
The incident has renewed attention on illegal mining in Niger State, where the scramble for gold deposits has been linked by officials and experts to criminal activity and violence.
A 2024 SwissAid report also found that much of the gold mined in the region enters global supply chains through illicit channels.
