Niger Miners’ Deaths: Survivor Alleges Substance Was Sprayed in Cell as Probe Intensifies

Niger Miners’ Deaths: Survivor Alleges Substance Was Sprayed in Cell as Probe Intensifies

A survivor of the detention tragedy in Niger State has alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside an overcrowded cell shortly before detainees began collapsing, as investigations intensify into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The survivor made the allegation on Friday, September 18, 2026, when Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo met with some of the surviving detainees in Minna.

According to the survivor, 17 people were initially locked inside a small room before an additional 48 detainees were brought in, taking the number inside the cell to 65 people.

He said the detainees complained repeatedly about the size of the room and the extreme heat but were still kept inside.

The survivor alleged that an unidentified substance that resembled perfume was sprayed inside the cell shortly before the door was locked.

He said the smell became disturbing and caused a burning sensation in the throat and eyes, after which some of the detainees began collapsing.

He also alleged that the detainees pleaded for water because of the intense heat but were told that the cell would not be opened that night.

The survivor said he eventually fainted and regained consciousness the following morning.

Another survivor reportedly said he escaped death because he was positioned close to the entrance of the cell, where he could breathe more easily. He also alleged that detainees shouted for help after people began collapsing.

The allegation concerning the unidentified substance has not been independently established. Authorities have not identified the substance, and the ongoing investigations have not determined whether it caused or contributed to the deaths.

The tragedy occurred after suspected illegal and artisanal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Governor Bago subsequently disclosed that 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners had been detained in an NSCDC facility before 37 of them died.

The disclosure has raised further questions about the number of detainees held in the facility and the conditions under which they were kept.

Bago said the circumstances surrounding the deaths were being investigated, with authorities examining possible factors including overcrowding, suffocation and exposure to hazardous substances.

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The state government has ordered forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies to establish the precise cause of death.

A committee of inquiry has also been constituted by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident. The committee is chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, with Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji serving as secretary.

The Nigeria Police Force has also commenced its own investigation into the deaths.

Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu visited Niger State on Friday and said the police would work with the state government and NSCDC to establish what happened.

Disu described the deaths as a serious custody-related incident and said the police would investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths without compromising the process.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm and warned against taking the law into their own hands following protests that erupted in Minna.

The deaths triggered demonstrations in the Niger State capital, with protesters demanding answers over how 37 people could die while in government custody.

The unrest led to the imposition of a curfew by the state government after violence and reported attacks on property. Police used tear gas to disperse some protesters who gathered around the  BVoffice.

The Federal Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said no Nigerian should lose their life in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

The President directed relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of people held in the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to the deaths.

Tinubu also directed that any official whose actions, abuse or negligence is found to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He stressed that the suspension of officials should not substitute for determining criminal responsibility where evidence supports prosecution.

The Federal Ministry of Interior has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Tunji-Ojo said the commandant would remain suspended while authorities conduct a full investigation into the incident.

The suspension is an administrative measure and does not, by itself, establish criminal responsibility for the deaths.

The Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has also deployed a high-powered investigative team to Niger State to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish the facts.

Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake said the team would investigate the incident as part of the Federal Government’s response.

Meanwhile, reports have raised concerns about the initial explanation for the deaths. The NSCDC had initially linked the incident to a suspected disease outbreak, but survivor accounts and subsequent official statements have prompted investigations into other possible causes.

Authorities are now examining whether overcrowding, poor ventilation, suffocation, exposure to hazardous substances or other medical conditions may have contributed to the deaths.

An intelligence assessment cited by international news reports reportedly pointed to overcrowding and poor ventilation as possible factors, but that assessment has not replaced the ongoing medical and forensic investigation.

The deaths have also renewed attention on the dangers associated with illegal mining in Niger State, which has significant mineral deposits and a large population of artisanal miners.

The government’s enforcement operations were aimed at suspected illegal mining activities, but the investigation into the deaths is a separate matter. The fact that the detainees were suspected of illegal mining does not remove their right to humane treatment while in custody.

President Tinubu specifically stated that enforcement of the law must itself be conducted within the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of people in government custody.

As investigations continue, key questions remain about the exact number of people detained, the capacity and condition of the cell, the sequence of events before the deaths, the medical response provided to the detainees and the identity of any substance allegedly sprayed inside the facility.

The survivor’s allegation remains unproven pending laboratory, forensic and medical findings.

The outcome of the ongoing investigations and autopsies is expected to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the 37 deaths in NSCDC custody and determine whether any individuals or institutions should face administrative or criminal responsibility.

Niger Miners’ Deaths: Survivor Alleges Substance Was Sprayed in Cell as Probe Intensifies