37 suspected illegal miners die in Nigerian custody

Nigeria’s authorities have launched investigations after 37 people suspected of illegal mining died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the central state of Niger.

The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Niger State on Sept. 15 and 16, according to the NSCDC.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed that 37 detainees died while in NSCDC custody in the state capital, Minna, and declared three days of mourning.

The NSCDC, in a statement on Friday, said some of the detainees were found dead on Thursday following what its state command described as a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the corps' national headquarters said the cause of death had not been established and cautioned against attributing the fatalities to any particular disease before medical and laboratory examinations are completed.

The NSCDC has constituted an investigative team, led by its deputy commandant-general for intelligence and investigation, to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The investigation will examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided to them, as well as other circumstances surrounding the deaths, the corps said.

The bodies have been taken to Minna General Hospital for medical examinations and autopsies to establish the cause of death. Police in Niger State have also opened an investigation.

NSCDC sources told Anadolu that overcrowding and inadequate ventilation inside the detention facility were possible factors.

A survivor identified only as Dauda said over 70 detainees were held in a poorly ventilated cell and that those inside struggled to breathe.

The deaths have triggered public concern and protests in Minna, with reports of damage to vehicles and other property.

Illegal mining remains a major challenge in Niger State, which has deposits of gold and other minerals. Authorities have intensified enforcement against unlicensed mining, which officials and analysts have also linked to financing networks associated with armed criminal groups.