29th September, 2026 | News

Nine-Year-Old Survivor Accuses NSCDC Personnel of Ignoring Detainees Before 37 Miners Died in Niger

A nine-year-old boy who survived detention at a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility in Minna, Niger State, has accused security personnel of ignoring repeated pleas for help before 37 suspected illegal miners died in custody.

The boy, identified as Khalid, told SaharaReporters, with the consent of his parents, that detainees informed security personnel that people inside the cell were dying but allegedly received no assistance.

He also alleged that officers refused to release detainees after their parents arrived to secure their bail.

Nine-Year-Old Describes Arrest at Mining Site

Khalid said he was arrested alongside other people at a mining site behind the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) secretariat along M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna.

According to him, the group initially fled when NSCDC personnel arrived but were later intercepted around Tunga Junction.

He said the detainees spent a night in custody before their parents became aware of their arrest.

Khalid alleged that when his parents and other relatives arrived seeking the release of detainees, security personnel refused to grant them access.

Survivor Alleges Harsh Conditions Inside Cell

Khalid said more detainees were subsequently brought into an already crowded and dark cell.

He alleged that an unidentified substance was later sprayed into the cell through openings from outside.

According to his account, detainees began experiencing severe discomfort and some people subsequently died.

Khalid further alleged that detainees repeatedly called the attention of security personnel to the situation and asked for water and improved ventilation but were allegedly ignored.

He also said detainees pleaded with officers to open an additional door to allow air into the cell, but their requests were allegedly rejected.

37 Suspected Illegal Miners Died in NSCDC Custody

The allegations come amid an ongoing investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC in Minna.

The victims were among scores of people arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago said 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been detained at the NSCDC facility before 37 died.

The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak but later said the actual cause had not been established and would be determined through medical and laboratory examinations.

Government Orders Investigation Into Deaths

The deaths triggered public concern, protests and calls for an independent investigation.

President Bola Tinubu subsequently directed a comprehensive investigation, while Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo constituted a 10-member independent committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC also suspended its Niger State Commandant and other officers linked to the incident.

The independent committee has commenced its investigation and is expected to visit relevant locations and interview survivors, suspects and other individuals with information about the incident.

Cause of Deaths Yet to Be Established

Other survivors have also alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed into the overcrowded cell before detainees began collapsing.

However, the cause of the 37 deaths has not yet been publicly established, and there is no publicly established forensic evidence confirming that the substance described by survivors caused the deaths.

The ongoing investigation is expected to determine what happened inside the detention facility, establish the medical cause of the deaths and determine whether any NSCDC personnel or other officials may be responsible.