The identities of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state have been released. The victims were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and Lukoto areas of Minna, the Niger state capital, on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The list of names was released by the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC). Awaisu Giwa, the organisation’s international peace ambassador, said the initial list was obtained from records at General Hospital, Minna, while relatives of some of the deceased subsequently provided four additional names. The identities are being made public as the Federal Government and the NSCDC investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The 37 names released are: Ibrahim Sani, Fahad Sa’adu, Abdulsalam Ismail, Usman Aliyu, Abubakar Alhaji, Sani Nasir, Sanusi Khalid, Ahmad Aliyu, Safiyanu Abdullahi, Suleiman Dantala, Idris Haruna, Sani Yakubu, Safiyanu Abubakar, Abdullahi Abubakar, Abubakar Musa, Abdul Mudassir, Suleiman Lawal, Usman Abdullahi, Samuel Sambo, Ibrahim Musa, Yusuf Nasiru, Umar Lawal, Isyaku Amisu, Bissallah Adamu, Abdulbari Suleiman, Shafisu Lado, Usman Ahmad, Usman Ibrahim, Sani Isyaku, Musa Ibrahim, Idris Bashir, Kabiru Suleiman, Emmanuel Emeka, Mu’awiya AbdulKarim, Abdul Gafar Abubakar, Usman Haruna, Yaro Salihu, and Soba.
According to the information accompanying the list, Mu’awiya AbdulKarim, Abdul Gafar Abubakar, Usman Haruna, and Yaro Salihu Soba were not included in the general hospital list and were added through information supplied by relatives. The distinction is important because the identities are still being formally reconciled as part of the investigation into the incident.
The deaths followed an NSCDC operation targeting suspected illegal mining activities in and around Minna. The corps said its September 15 and 16 operations were part of efforts to rid Niger State of illegal mining and that suspects were arrested during the exercise. NSCDC authorities initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, accounts from survivors and relatives have raised questions about the conditions under which the suspects were detained.
The government has not publicly established that the deaths resulted from any particular cause pending the conclusion of the inquiry. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently announced the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 20 other personnel connected to the detention and arrest operations, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NSCDC has also taken further internal action as investigations intensify. The number of personnel held in connection with the incident has risen to 24, including the suspended Niger State Commandant. The development came after the earlier suspension of 20 officers announced by the Ministry of Interior. The NSCDC said personnel found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary measures and prosecution where necessary.
Key points
- Investigation underway into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
- List of deceased miners released by International Human Rights Commission.
- Government takes action, including suspension of NSCDC personnel and formation of investigative committee.
