City in Nigeria’s Niger State; capital of Niger State; Nupe and Gwari communities
At least 37 suspected illegal miners have died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Officials have said the deaths have been sent for medical examination while an intelligence report and survivors point to overcrowding and poor ventilation in the detention facility. Protests and a curfew have followed.
A deadly incident in Minna has intensified as a government probe explores overcrowding and ventilation as possible causes after 37 detainees died in a NSCDC cell. A panel is to determine responsibility and misconduct, while officials suspend NSCDC officers and impose a curfew amid protests.
Detainees, including 37 who probably died of suffocation, have raised questions about detention conditions in Niger state. Authorities have suspended NSCDC personnel, formed a 10-member committee, and pledged a full investigation. Survivors describe maltreatment and calls for justice as the government moves to address accountability.