Police in Minna used tear gas to break up protests after 37 miners died while in custody following arrests for suspected illegal mining. Authorities say a suspected disease outbreak caused the fatalities, but survivors allege the miners suffocated, prompting widespread concern and calls for clarity. The Niger State Civil Defense commandant has been suspended and the federal government has ordered a full investigation. The deaths spotlight ongoing issues around illegal mining and its links to armed groups.
Tear Gas Used As Protests Erupt After 37 Miners Found Dead In Custody In Minna
Families and relatives of miners who were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining wait outside a hospital where their bodies are stored in Minna, Nigeria, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Muhammed Nura)(AP Photo/Muhammed Nura)
MINNA, Nigeria — Police fired tear gas Friday to disperse dozens of people who gathered to protest after 37 miners were reported dead while held in custody, local officials and witnesses said.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the miners had been arrested earlier in the week on suspicion of illegal mining by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and subsequently died in detention. The Civil Defense Corps said the deaths were caused by a suspected disease outbreak.
Families and relatives of miners who were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining wait outside a hospital where their bodies are stored in Minna, Nigeria, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Muhammed Nura)(AP Photo/Muhammed Nura)
Survivors, however, told The Associated Press that the detained miners suffocated, an account that contradicts the corps' explanation and has intensified calls for an independent and thorough inquiry.
Protests and Police Response
Dozens of young people, including miners and relatives of the deceased, gathered near the Civil Defense Corps office in Minna on Friday. Police cordoned off the area and attempted to break up the crowd by firing tear gas canisters. Protesters alleged the deaths were retaliatory, saying some miners had clashed earlier with corps officers.
Families and relatives of miners who were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining wait outside a hospital where their bodies are stored in Minna, Nigeria, Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Muhammed Nura)(AP Photo/Muhammed Nura)
Investigation and Official Reaction
The federal government suspended the commandant of Niger State's Civil Defense Corps pending investigation.
"It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended," the Minister of Interior said in a statement.
Authorities have promised a full inquiry into the circumstances of the deaths; it remains unclear how and where the alleged disease outbreak occurred, and investigators will need to reconcile forensic findings with testimonies from survivors.
Broader Context
Illegal mining is a persistent challenge in Nigeria. Analysts warn that unregulated mining operations can finance criminal and armed groups, and in some regions such groups have been reported to exert control over mining sites. The incident has reignited debate about security, accountability, and oversight of both mining activity and detention practices.
What Comes Next: Families and civil society groups are likely to press for transparent forensic results and accountability for any wrongdoing uncovered by the investigation.
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