Niger NSCDC Deaths: Names of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in Custody Released

The release of the names of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in NSCDC custody has renewed scrutiny of what happened inside the detention facility in Niger State, as investigations continue into the deaths.
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The identities of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have been released, as public concern grows over the circumstances surrounding their deaths and the conditions in which they were detained.

Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody in Niger State on September 17, 2026, shortly after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations. The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, while allegations about overcrowding and poor ventilation are being investigated by an independent panel.

Illegal Miners in Custody Released
The identities of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have been released, as public concern continues to grow over the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The victims were among scores of people arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

According to reports, the deaths occurred on September 17, shortly after the arrests.

The incident has since triggered public concern, protests and calls for accountability.
The NSCDC initially said the detainees died following a suspected outbreak of disease.

The Corps said the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for a medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.

However, accounts attributed to survivors and relatives have raised questions about the conditions under which the detainees were held.

Some survivors alleged that a large number of detainees were kept in an overcrowded cell with poor ventilation shortly before the deaths.
Those claims have not been established as fact.

The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths therefore remain unresolved and are now being examined through investigations ordered by the Federal Government and the NSCDC.

Full Names of the 37 Victims

The names released are:
Ibrahim Sani
Fahad Sa’adu
Abdulsalam Ismail
Usman Aliyu
Abubakar Alhaji
Sani Nasir
Sanusi Khalid
Ahmad Aliyu
Safiyanu Abdullahi
Suleiman Dantala
Idris Haruna
Sani Yakubu
Safiyanu Abubakar
Abdullahi Abubakar
Abubakar Musa
Abdul Mudassir
Suleiman Lawal
Usman Abdullahi
Samuel Sambo
Ibrahim Musa
Yusuf Nasiru
Umar Lawal
Isyaku Amisu
Bissallah Adamu
Abdulbari Suleiman
Shafisu Lado
Usman Ahmad
Usman Ibrahim
Sani Isyaku
Musa Ibrahim
Idris Bashir
Kabiru Suleiman
Emmanuel Emeka
Mu’awiya AbdulKarim
Abdul Gafar Abubakar
Usman Haruna
Aro Salihu Soba

Four names — Mu’awiya AbdulKarim, Abdul Gafar Abubakar, Usman Haruna and Aro Salihu Soba — were reportedly indicated as not appearing on the general hospital list.

24 NSCDC Personnel Under Investigation
Meanwhile, the NSCDC has intensified its investigation into the incident.

The number of personnel under investigation reportedly rose to 24 after three additional officers were identified and suspended.

Among those taken into custody is the suspended Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

Other personnel under investigation include officers involved in the arrest operation, investigation, intelligence, legal duties and supervision of the detention facility.

The NSCDC said the affected officers are being subjected to interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures while the investigation continues.

The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, said personnel found culpable would face disciplinary action and prosecution where necessary.

The development followed the Federal Government’s decision to suspend Aniviye and order an independent investigation into the deaths.

Federal Government Sets Up 10-Member Investigation Panel

Following the incident, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths.

The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

It is also mandated to determine whether responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct was involved.

The panel was given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.

The Federal Government has also directed the NSCDC and other relevant authorities to preserve documents, records and other materials that may assist the investigation.

The Interior Minister further warned against any attempt to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation.

Governor Bago Confirms 37 Deaths

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died after being detained by the NSCDC.

The incident also resulted in the cancellation of a planned political rally in Minna as authorities responded to the situation.
Protests subsequently broke out in parts of Minna over the deaths.

The demonstrations reportedly led to clashes between protesters and security personnel, following which the state government imposed a curfew in parts of the city.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also directed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be investigated.

New NSCDC Commandant Deployed to Niger
Following the suspension of Aniviye, the NSCDC deployed a new commandant to Niger State.

Abdulhamid Kabara assumed office as the new state commandant on September 18.
The Corps also ordered its flag to be flown at half-mast across its formations for three days in honour of the deceased.

Cause of Death Remains Under Investigation
The cause of death remains a central issue in the ongoing investigation.

While the NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, accounts attributed to survivors have raised questions about overcrowding and ventilation inside the detention facility.

One survivor reportedly alleged that dozens of detainees were kept in a single cell before some began experiencing difficulty breathing and collapsing.

The allegation remains unverified and is expected to be examined by the investigation panel alongside medical and other available evidence.

The deaths have also renewed concerns about the treatment of people held in security custody, particularly amid reports that some of the detainees were young.

The development follows the earlier suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant after the deaths were reported.

The Federal Government has since ordered an independent investigation, while the NSCDC is investigating personnel connected with the operation.

Until the investigation is completed, the cause of death and any responsibility for the deaths should be treated as unresolved.