A massive tragedy has unfolded in Minna as Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed that 37 out of 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners detained in a single Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility have died in custody. ​
The enforcement operations took place on September 15 and 16, 2026, targeting active mining sites across the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State. Security agents apprehended 67 workers and transferred them directly into the local NSCDC detention facility.
The severe casualties were discovered during the early hours of September 17, 2026. ​Speaking at a emergency press briefing at the Government House in Minna on Friday, September 18, 2026, Governor Bago outlined the ongoing investigation into the tragedy.
​”The office of the Niger State Civil Defence arrested 67 artisans and illegal miners and put them in their cell,” Governor Bago stated. “So probably they died of suffocation. Probably the second [cause] is exposure to certain poisons or toxic substances on the field.”
Mohammed Umaru Bago (Executive Governor, Niger State): Called the loss of life staggering. “Even at times of war, if you kill 37 people, it is not a small number. So there is a need for us to expedite action on the autopsies being conducted,” Bago urged, calling for immediate calm among angry youth protesting in the state capital.
Bologi Ibrahim (Chief Press Secretary to the Governor): Confirmed the inauguration of a judicial committee of inquiry to uncover the root causes. The panel is chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, with Maurice Magaji, Commissioner for Homeland Security, serving as secretary.
SP Wasiu Abiodun (Police Public Relations Officer, Niger State Command): Announced that Police Commissioner CP Shawulu Danmamman has ordered an immediate homicide investigation into the detention conditions and timeline leading to the mass casualty event. ​
In response to the incident, the Federal Government and NSCDC headquarters ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, alongside his primary operational team pending the outcome of forensic audits. ​
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued an executive directive ordering a full probe, mandating the arrest and prosecution of any officers whose negligence or misconduct contributed to the fatal overcrowding or delay in emergency medical assistance.
Meanwhile, all illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi axis have been shut down indefinitely as biological and radiological specialists conduct site analyses.
