RismadarVoice Reporters
September 18, 2026
Tension has risen in parts of Minna, Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, as federal and state authorities launch separate investigations into the incident.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed the death toll and appealed for calm, particularly among youths, amid anger and demands for answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
There have also been reports of protests, increased security presence, clashes and gunfire in parts of Minna. However, details of the reported confrontations and claims of additional casualties had not been independently confirmed at the time of filing this report.
FG ORDERS FULL INVESTIGATION
The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the deaths to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As part of the administrative measures accompanying the investigation, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other relevant officers have been directed to step aside pending the outcome of the probe.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of the arrests, conditions in custody, treatment of the suspects, medical attention provided and events preceding their deaths.
Medical and forensic examinations, including autopsies, are also expected to help determine the cause of death.
The decision to have officials step aside is an administrative measure pending investigation and does not establish individual responsibility for the deaths.
NIGER GOVT SETS UP COMMITTEE OF INQUIRY
Separately, the Niger State Government has constituted a committee of inquiry to examine the incident and establish the facts surrounding the deaths.
Governor Bago has appealed to residents to allow the investigations to proceed and avoid actions capable of worsening tensions.
The state government has also declared three days of mourning for the deceased.
The federal investigation and state inquiry are expected to provide further clarity on what happened between the arrest of the suspected miners and their deaths in custody.
RESIDENTS URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION
With tension reported in parts of Minna, residents are advised to exercise caution and avoid locations where protests, confrontations or heavy security deployments are reported.
Those without urgent reasons to travel through affected areas should consider remaining in safe locations until conditions become clearer.
Residents are also urged not to circulate unverified casualty figures, old videos or unconfirmed claims as current information while authorities and journalists work to establish developments on the ground.
The deaths have intensified demands for a transparent investigation and clear answers for the families of the deceased.
As the federal and state investigations proceed, authorities and residents face the immediate challenge of preventing the situation from escalating into further violence or loss of life.
