Tension has gripped Minna, the Niger State capital, following the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal gold miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, after the suspects were arrested during an operation conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command against illegal mining activities.
According to the NSCDC, the operation, described as a “burst operation,” was carried out on September 15 and 16, 2026, resulting in the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
However, the Command said several of the detained suspects were found dead on Thursday morning following what it described as a suspected outbreak of disease.
“The operation yielded significant results, with scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and various exhibits recovered. However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” the NSCDC said.
The development sparked protests across parts of Minna, with angry residents taking to the streets to express their concerns over the deaths.
Major roads and areas reportedly affected by the protests include Maitumbi, Tudun Natsira, Berger and parts of Tunga, where residents were said to have blocked roads in response to the incident.
While the NSCDC has put the reported death toll at 37, some residents have alleged that the number of people who died could be as high as 42.
