Protests erupted in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria, following the deaths of 37 men suspected of illegal mining who died in custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC). The casualties sparked public outcry as demonstrators, including miners and relatives, gathered demanding answers while police used tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The Niger State government has declared three days of mourning and postponed the start of campaigning for upcoming January elections. Officials confirmed the deaths occurred after arrests made on suspicion of illegal mining earlier in the week.
In response, the Nigerian government announced the suspension of the commandant of the state’s civil defense corps pending a full investigation into the incident.
Details on the Custody and Deaths
The suspected miners were detained in a series of operations on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to NSCDC officials. While authorities initially suggested the deaths might be related to disease, further investigations are examining conditions in the detention facility. An intelligence report indicated that overcrowding and poor ventilation may have contributed to the fatalities.
Survivor Accounts Raise Concerns About Detention Conditions
One survivor, Dauda Shehu, described a cell with 65 detainees cramped together without proper ventilation. He recounted how detainees struggled to breathe and unsuccessfully tried to alert guards as their conditions worsened.
Context: Illegal Mining and Security Challenges in Niger State
Niger State covers an area more than twice the size of Belgium and is rich in minerals, attracting thousands of artisanal miners. Illegal mining activities are common, often controlled or taxed by local criminal gangs known as bandits. These gangs demand a share of extracted ore in exchange for access, contributing to regional instability and violence.
Government Response and Ongoing Investigations
The governor of Niger State established a committee of inquiry to investigate the deaths and called the incident both sad and tragic. The Nigerian Interior Ministry emphasized a full investigation will determine accountability while suspending the civil defense commander involved. The incident has heightened tensions in the area amid ongoing struggles surrounding artisanal mining and security enforcement.
