An independent investigative committee set up by the Federal Government has reported that 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State were victims of asphyxiation.
The committee’s chairman and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, disclosed the finding on Tuesday while submitting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
The deaths occurred on September 17, 2026, while the suspects were being held at the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna.
The deceased were among several individuals arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
The committee was established to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish what led to the incident.
Further details of the panel’s findings and recommendations are expected to emerge following the presentation of its report.
