Miners death probe: Commend President Tinubu for empowering Interior Minister
The Nigerian government is investigating the deaths of 37 detainees at an NSCDC facility in Niger State. President Tinubu has empowered the Interior Minister to lead a probe, resulting in the suspension of several officials.
Why it matters
This incident highlights critical issues regarding human rights, prison conditions, and government accountability in Nigeria.
The death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State has thrown the nation into grief. Outrage has rightly been expressed by Nigerians who called for an urgent probe of the unfortunate incident.
Recall 37 out of 65 detained suspects died under disputed circumstances in an NSCDC facility in Minna following their arrests on September 15 and 16, 2026.Survivors alleged suffocation from overcrowding and a chemical substance sprayed in the cell.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo immediately visited Minna, Niger State, following the tragic incident and met with Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna to inspect and address the situation, vowing that the deaths would “not be swept under the carpet”.
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