Survivors Describe Panic Before 37 Detainees Died in Niger State Custody

Posted 05:04 PM, Tuesday September 22, 2026 2 min(s) read

Photo by: Adigun Faizah

MINNA, Nigeria — Survivors of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody in Niger State have described scenes of panic inside an overcrowded detention cell, alleging that an unidentified substance was sprayed into the room shortly before detainees began collapsing.

The detainees had been arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining around Minna and taken to a facility operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps. Many of those detained were young men, including teenagers.

One survivor, Adamu Isah, said about 17 people were initially placed in a small cell before dozens more were brought in. He said detainees repeatedly complained that the room was overcrowded, but the doors remained locked.

According to Isah, officers later sprayed an unidentified substance beneath the cell door. He said some detainees initially thought it was an air freshener, but within about an hour people began behaving strangely, losing consciousness and dying.

Another survivor, Dauda Shehu, gave a similar account, saying the substance smelled like perfume and that detainees later experienced throat irritation and difficulty breathing.

The accounts have not established what substance, if any, was used or whether it caused the deaths. Authorities have also not released a definitive medical explanation for the fatalities. Forensic examinations have been conducted on some of the bodies, with further analysis required to determine the cause of death.

The incident has prompted a federal investigation. A 10-member panel comprising medical, legal, intelligence and human rights experts has been constituted to examine what happened and determine responsibility.

The deaths have also triggered protests in Minna, with authorities imposing a curfew after violence broke out. The curfew was later lifted as officials moved to restore calm.

The federal government has suspended senior NSCDC personnel connected to the incident while investigations continue. The agency has also begun examining the actions of officers involved in the arrests and detention.

With conflicting accounts surrounding the deaths, investigators are expected to determine whether overcrowding, a possible hazardous substance, illness or other factors contributed to the tragedy.