Security forces opened fire in the central Nigerian city of Minna on September 18 as hundreds of people protested the deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of a paramilitary force. The detainees had been arrested during raids on suspected illegal mines in the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, between September 15 and 16. The city was calm by the morning of September 18, but security forces had been heavily deployed in parts of Minna.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) had raided suspected illegal gold mines and detained dozens of miners in Minna, the capital of Niger State. The agency initially said a suspected disease outbreak could have been linked to the deaths, but later stated that the cause of death had not been established and would be determined through medical examinations.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye pending a full investigation. The Interior Ministry stated that a full investigation would be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended. The government has promised to investigate the deaths and has suspended some senior officials.
Anger over the deaths led to protests in Minna on the night of September 17, with residents saying young people chanted for justice, while some protesters damaged vehicles. An eyewitness saw security forces fire live rounds as protesters, some carrying sticks, machetes and traditional hunting rifles, demanded justice. Some protesters also tried to set fire to government buildings in the Tunga neighborhood.
At least one body was seen lying on the streets as soldiers and police officers were deployed across Minna as authorities tried to restore order. The protests continued into September 18, with eyewitnesses describing the situation as tense. Miner Yusuf Auwal, who joined the protest, stated that they were not thieves, but simply seeking a way to make a living by mining.
Nigeria has been trying for years to stop illegal mining at thousands of informal sites across the country. Authorities say illegal mining causes environmental damage and reduces government revenue. The incident has highlighted the challenges faced by the government in addressing the issue of illegal mining and the need for more effective measures to protect the rights of citizens.
The suspension of the NSCDC commandant and the investigation into the deaths are seen as a step towards addressing the concerns of the public and ensuring accountability. The incident has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice, with many demanding that those responsible be held accountable.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has suspended the NSCDC commandant and launched an investigation into the deaths of 37 detainees.
- The incident has sparked protests and clashes in Minna, with security forces deploying to restore order.
- Nigeria has been trying to stop illegal mining at thousands of informal sites across the country.
