Relatives accuse Nigerian security officials of abusing 37 miners who died in custody

Families of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigerian civil defense agency have accused officials of mistreatment as the government investigates the deaths of 37 detainees in Niger State.

The detainees were among 67 people arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and held at a facility operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, the state capital.

Niger State Gov. Umar Bago said 37 detainees likely died from suffocation after being held in a single cell.

Relatives of some of the deceased told Anadolu that their family members were beaten while in detention.

One of them, Saba Usman, said her son Usman Whalid had photographs and videos showing him with injuries, which made her believe that he was tortured to death.

“I have photographs and videos showing the injuries on my son’s body. From what I saw, I believe he was tortured to death in custody,” Usman told Anadolu.

Also, a 30-year-old father of a motorcycle mechanic identified as Lawan Mohammed, said his son suffered severe physical injuries while in custody, and he urged the government to ensure justice.

“My son had a swollen head among other severe physical injuries by the time I visited the next day to give him breakfast in detention,” he said.

Government launches investigation

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident, saying suspected illegal miners retained their rights to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

The government has also suspended NSCDC officials in connection with the incident.

Similarly, a 10-member committee comprising professionals from the legal, security, mining and medical sectors has also been constituted to investigate the deaths. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo warned that anyone found attempting to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face consequences.

The deaths have renewed concerns about conditions in Nigeria's detention facilities and the treatment of suspects in state custody as many Nigerians demand accountability.

Nigerian Bar Association President Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya described the deaths as a matter of “utmost gravity.”

The government has maintained that suspected illegal miners must be held accountable when they violate the law.