Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has addressed the public following the tragic death of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna. 
The victims were among suspects arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, after the suspects had been detained by the NSCDC.
Governor Bago confirmed the deaths and said an investigation had been launched to establish exactly what happened.
According to reports, preliminary accounts have raised questions about possible suffocation or exposure to harmful substances, but authorities have stressed that the actual cause of death has not yet been medically established. The remains have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
The NSCDC national headquarters has also constituted a high-powered investigative team to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Bago has declared three days of mourning for the victims. The Niger State Government also cancelled the APC political rally scheduled for Saturday, September 19, in Minna.
The incident has generated widespread concern, with families and members of the public demanding answers as investigations continue.
Authorities have appealed for calm while medical examinations and investigations are conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and whether any responsibility should be established.
