Following the deaths of at least 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, allegations have emerged that more than 60 detainees were packed into an overcrowded cell before the deaths occurred.
The incident happened after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, after the suspects had reportedly spent about three days in detention.
According to a source who spoke to SaharaReporters, the detainees had complained about the condition of the cell, particularly the overcrowding and heat, but their complaints were allegedly not adequately addressed by NSCDC personnel.
The source, who was present at the command while the suspected illegal miners were detained, said about 60 people were confined in a single cell, leaving detainees with little room to move or breathe comfortably.
“When they got there, there were bruises on their bodies and the place was too hot for them. So, when some officers went there to check on them, they could hardly fit inside the cell,” the source said.
“Later, when they checked on them, they discovered that almost 37 people were dead.”
The source said the suspects were arrested on allegations of illegal mining and had been detained by the Civil Defence for approximately three days.
“No. They were detained by the Civil Defence for three days,” the source said.
“They were illegal miners. So, the Civil Defence went to arrest and detain them about four days ago.
“Yesterday morning, when people went to the cell, they found more than 60 people packed into one cell.”
The source also said bruises and other injuries were allegedly observed on some of the bodies, with claims that some victims appeared to have suffered broken bones.
However, the source stressed that the actual cause of death had not been established.
Asked about claims that some of the detainees may have been beaten to death and whether the injuries observed on their bodies could have contributed to their deaths, the source said it would be premature to reach a conclusion.
“I can’t say anything because some people might say it was poison, while others might say it was something else,” the source said.
“So, we haven’t verified the cause of death up till now.”
The NSCDC, on its part, initially said the deaths may have followed a suspected disease outbreak but stressed that the actual cause had not been established.
The development comes as the NSCDC has constituted a high-powered investigative team to probe the deaths of the suspected illegal miners.
In a statement signed by the Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the NSCDC said the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, directed the constitution of the investigative team following the deaths.
The team is being led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, the suspects were arrested during coordinated enforcement operations conducted by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources.
The NSCDC said the investigative team would examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.
“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident,” it said.
The Corps said the remains had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.”
The NSCDC also said it was working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken.
The Corps specifically cautioned against prematurely attributing the deaths to any particular disease.
“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation,” he said.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.”
The Commandant General also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in NSCDC custody be given utmost priority, while measures were being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and promised that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated.
The NSCDC maintained that while it remained committed to combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets, it was also committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody.
