AMNESTY International Nigeria has demanded an immediate probe into the deaths of ‘scores’ of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The victims were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, at mining sites located at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna but died hours after they were locked in custody.
The NSCDC command in the state confirmed the death in a statement on Thursday, September 17, through its commandant, Suberu Aniviye.
Aniviye said, “Scores of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following a suspected outbreak of disease”.
While the command put the number of those who died at 37, The ICIR reports that using the term ‘scores’ for the fatalities suggests that the number of casualties could be higher.
Among the deceased are youths and minors, Amnesty International stated, vowing that the loss of lives would not go unanswered.
In its statement, the NSCDC noted that in its renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal mining, its operatives conducted a “burst operation” leading to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of exhibits.
“However, in the early hours of 17th September 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease.
“The corpses of the deceased suspects have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.”
However, Amnesty International said “the Nigerian government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively, investigate how detention for one to two days descended into a disaster that killed minors.”
It said those found to be behind the tragedy must not merely face internal or administrative sanctions but must be subjected to the full weight of justice. It added that the circumstances surrounding the victims’ arrests and the conditions under which they were detained must be transparently established. The victims and their families must also be provided access to justice and effective remedies.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC commandant in the state said the Corps in collaboration with relevant agencies in the state were handling the situation.
He urged the people of the state and the deceased’ families to remain calm and avoid any action that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The directive is contained in a statement by its Public Relations officer, Wasiu Abiodun, a superintendent of police, on Thursday.
The CP directed the DCP, SCID Minna, to take charge of the investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The CP called on the deceased’s relations and members of the public who might have credible information that could aid the investigation process to come forward to SCID Minna and render such.
He also appealed to members of the public and the deceased’s families to remain calm, law-abiding, cooperate and support the investigative efforts.
Elleman assured Nigerians that no stone would be left unturned towards unravelling the cause of the incident.
The CP stated that the Command remained committed to upholding human rights provisions as well as ensuring accountability in the discharge of statutory responsibilities by law enforcement agencies.
The ICIR reports that the state governor, Umar Bago, has condoled the families of the deceased, describing the incident as unfortunate and deeply saddening.
He also declared a three-day mourning in honour of the victims, while also calling off the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna.
The governor called on the people of the state to remain calm and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
He assured the people that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be investigated.
The ICIR investigation of illegal mining in the M. I. Wushishi area in 2025 showed how poverty pushed the state residents into illegal mining, leading to economic losses to the state and significant challenges to the miners.
Marcus bears the light, and he beams it everywhere. He's a good governance and decent society advocate. He's The ICIR Reporter of the Year 2022 and has been the organisation's News Editor since September 2023. Contact him via email @ mfatunmole@icirnigeria.org