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Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has disclosed disturbing signs found on the bodies of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Bago said the victims were held in one of three cells at the facility, with 37 deaths recorded in the final cell.
“There are three cells that are close to each other. Those in the first two cells did not die, but in the last cell, we recorded 37 deaths,” Bago said.
According to the governor, the condition of the bodies raised concerns about possible exposure to chemicals or poisonous substances.
“Looking at the corpses, you can see skin peeling, foam coming from their mouths, and blood around their noses, mouths, and ears,” he said.
“These signs suggest two possible causes: exposure to chemicals or exposure to highly poisonous substances.”
Bago stressed that the exact cause of death had not been established, saying investigations and medical examinations were still required.
The 37 victims were among 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The NSCDC had initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak after the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17. The Corps later clarified that the actual cause had not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations would be needed.
Bago said some of the surviving detainees had been discharged and reunited with their families after giving statements to the police or Department of State Services (DSS) and undergoing medical tests.
“Some have been discharged and reunited with their families after giving statements to the police or DSS and undergoing medical tests,” the governor said.
He added that some others remained in hospital receiving treatment.
“A few are still in the hospital, and we are hopeful they will be reunited with their families this week after receiving treatment for dehydration and malnutrition,” Bago said.
The governor said the authorities were also investigating other possible factors surrounding the deaths, including the conditions under which the detainees were held.
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Bago said the state government had begun work to support the affected families following the incident.
“Due to the sentiments and tensions that arose from what happened yesterday, the government could not do much for the families. However, a lot of work has been done from today,” he said.
He added that a prayer session would be held for the victims.
“Tomorrow at 2 p.m., there will be a prayer at the Central Mosque, where all the families will gather in memory of those who died,” Bago said.
The governor said officials would also consider details of possible compensation for the deceased and their families.
Meanwhile, Bago said the surviving detainees were responding to treatment.
“The most important thing is that those who did not die in custody are still in the hospital receiving treatment, and we are happy that they are responding well,” he said.
“For those who died, we are praying for them and counselling their families.”
Bago also linked the incident to the need for stronger regulation and safety standards in the mining sector.
“Responsible mining entails a lot of things. First, it means having a standard system where age is taken into consideration, so that children cannot simply pick up a shovel and be allowed to start digging the ground,” he said.
He also called for greater oversight of mineral buyers and clearer responsibilities for state authorities.
“It also means regulating the people who buy minerals from these miners. The state government should also be given the appropriate jurisdiction over mining activities within their areas,” Bago said.
Investigations are continuing to establish what caused the deaths and the circumstances surrounding the detention of the miners.
