Nigeria investigates deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody
Nigeria has launched investigations after at least 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The victims were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations on 15 and 16 September, with relatives later finding their bodies at a hospital in Minna. Families disputed the initial explanation that the deaths were linked to a suspected disease outbreak, with some alleging signs of possible abuse, although the circumstances remain unconfirmed.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended the Niger State NSCDC commandant and ordered a full investigation, while the state government called for autopsies and forensic examinations to establish the cause of death. The case comes amid continued government crackdowns on illegal and unregulated mining in Niger State, which is rich in mineral resources.
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