Vice President Kashim Shettima announced on Monday, October 5, 2026, a ₦250 million Federal Government relief fund for the families of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking during a high-level condolence visit to Minna, Niger State, Vice President Shettima conveyed the deepest sympathies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the government, victims’ families, and the people of Niger State.
Vice President Shettima arrived at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport in Minna on Monday morning, where he was received by Niger State Governor Farmer Umaru Bago alongside senior state officials.
During his visit to the state, the Vice President’s itinerary included engagements at The Government House, Minna: Meeting with Governor Umaru Bago, state leadership, and family representatives of the deceased miners.
The Palace of the Emir of Minna: Paying a courtesy call to His Royal Highness, Umar Farouk Bahago and Hilltop Residence; visiting former Military President General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
Addressing stakeholders at the Government House, Shettima emphasized that every victim deserves dignity and that their grieving families are entitled to the full truth regarding the incident. He cautioned against politicizing the tragedy, noting, “We should avoid weaponising the departed to demonise Governor Bago. He had no hand in what has befallen their lives”.
In his remarks, Governor Umaru Bago acknowledged that the incident had drawn significant local and international attention. He urged the Federal Government to overhaul regulations governing the mining sector to prevent similar occurrences:
”The tragedy of September 17 must not be allowed to repeat itself… not in Minna, not anywhere in Nigeria,” Governor Bago stated, calling for safer, legal, and dignified economic opportunities for youth in the state.
The 37 detainees tragically died on September 17, 2026, days after being arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations targeted at illegal mining sites in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
Following public outcry and protests in Minna, President Bola Tinubu ordered the immediate suspension of NSCDC officers implicated in the deaths pending formal investigation.
The Federal Government subsequently set up a 10-member independent investigative panel, chaired by Jonathan Kure, retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), which was granted a two-week deadline to submit a comprehensive report on the causes of the deaths.
