Full Breakdown
Tragedy in Mina: 37 Detainees Die in Custody of Nigeria’s Paramilitary Force
By Drooid · · How we work
The Fatal Detentions
On September 15-16, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) raided suspected illegal gold-mining sites in the Wushishi-Lukoto area west of Minna, Niger State. Dozens of men were arrested. Two days later, authorities discovered that 37 detainees had died while being held in an NSCDC detention cell. Initial footage showed 33 bodies at Minna General Hospital; the governor later confirmed the death toll of 37. Survivors say the cell held as many as 65 people in a cramped, poorly ventilated space.
Background & Context
Illegal artisanal gold mining is widespread in Niger State, a region more than twice the size of Belgium that attracts thousands of miners. The federal government has long targeted informal mines, arguing they damage the environment, undermine public safety and deprive the state of revenue. The September raid was part of this broader crackdown.
Data & Statistics
- Deaths: 37 detainees confirmed dead.
- Detention conditions: ? 65 people packed into a single cell; 33 bodies photographed at the hospital.
- Arrests: September 15-16; deaths reported September 17.
- Security response: Live rounds and tear-gas used against protesters on September 18.
Official Statements & Responses
- Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the suspension of Niger State NSCDC commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and pledged a full investigation.
- Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared three days of mourning, postponed campaign activities for the January elections, and announced a committee of inquiry.
- NSCDC initially attributed the fatalities to a “suspected disease outbreak,” later clarified that no cause had been established and that medical examinations were pending.
Criticism & Opposition
Relatives have challenged the disease narrative. Mother Shafa’atu Suleiman said officials demanded 100,000 naira for food deliveries and called the incident “injustice.” A father of another victim argued his son appeared healthy before detention and demanded an independent post-mortem, questioning how a disease could have killed detainees without affecting guards.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are not thieves – we are simply seeking a way to make ?a living by mining,” — Yusuf Auwal
- “We kept banging on the door,” — Dauda Shehu
- “All of a sudden, we realized that we could not breathe and we started scrambling to get fresh air,” — Dauda Shehu
- “I want to assure you, as government, that this will not slide,” — Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
What’s Next
The suspended commandant remains under investigation while forensic examinations proceed. The committee of inquiry set up by Governor Bago is expected to submit findings in the coming weeks. A 24-hour curfew remains in effect in Minna, and security forces continue to patrol the city to prevent further unrest. The federal interior ministry has pledged that the investigation will not be “swept under the carpet.”