Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has stated that the state government was not aware of the arrest and detention of suspected illegal miners who later died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. The incident occurred at an NSCDC facility in Minna, sparking public concern and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. According to the governor, the state government only learnt of the arrests after information about the deaths became public and protests began.
The suspected miners were reportedly arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16. A total of 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were taken into custody, while 37 subsequently died. The governor expressed concern over the increasing shift from farming to mining among some communities in the state, noting that residents who had become accustomed to the financial gains from mining could find it challenging to return to agriculture.
Bago explained that the state government had yet to establish the precise cause of the deaths, adding that overcrowding and possible exposure to hazardous substances were among the factors being examined. He stated that the state had no prior knowledge of the operation because the security agencies involved were under the control of the Federal Government. The governor also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by many artisanal miners, noting that some operate without appropriate protective equipment and adequate accommodation.
The governor noted that mining isn’t just about digging for gold, but a big industry with expatriates from other countries operating in the states without the power to halt their activities. He added that some expatriates involved in mining operations had obtained licences, while security agencies and relevant authorities, including the police and the Department of State Services, were aware of their activities. Bago also raised concerns about the lack of social interventions for mining communities, including educational and scholarship opportunities for the children of miners.
The federal government has ordered an independent investigation into the deaths, while 24 NSCDC personnel allegedly connected to the incident have been detained. The NSCDC said it was holding 27 personnel at its National Headquarters in Abuja, where they were undergoing interrogation and administrative disciplinary procedures. The Corps added that it would make the officers available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.
Investigations into the incident are expected to establish what led to the deaths of the suspected miners and determine responsibility if any wrongdoing is established. The governor’s comments have sparked a renewed call for improved working conditions and better regulation of the mining industry in the state. The incident has also raised concerns about the need for more effective collaboration between state and federal authorities in addressing issues related to mining.
The NSCDC has been working to address the issue, with the Corps making efforts to ensure that its personnel are held accountable for their actions. The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by artisanal miners in the country and the need for more effective measures to protect their rights and well-being. The government’s response to the incident will be closely watched as it seeks to balance the need for economic development with the need to protect human life.
Key points
- The Niger state government was not informed about the arrest and detention of suspected illegal miners who later died in NSCDC custody.
- 37 suspected miners died in NSCDC custody, with investigations underway to determine the cause of the deaths.
- The federal government has ordered an independent investigation into the deaths, with 24 NSCDC personnel detained in connection with the incident.
