Minna, Niger State — The names of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have been made public, as authorities face mounting public outrage and calls for accountability.

The victims were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted by the NSCDC across the state on September 15 and 16, 2026. Their deaths, which occurred on September 17, shortly after the arrests, have triggered protests and demands for a transparent investigation.

The NSCDC has attributed the fatalities to a suspected disease outbreak, saying the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

Government Response

Following protests by youths over the deaths, Governor Mohammed Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state on Friday.

The governor said some survivors were taken to hospital for treatment, while others were reunited with their families after the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services (DSS) recorded their statements.

The Full List

Those who died in NSCDC custody were:

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 • Aro Salihu Soba

1. The death toll discrepancy. Some dailies are saying  17; others say 37. This must be reconciled.
2. Cause of death. “Suspected disease outbreak” is the NSCDC’s claim. The autopsy results from General Hospital Minna are the key outstanding fact Nigerians need to know..
3. Bodies count vs. names. There are 37 names but a reported group arrested over two days — the total number arrested should be confirmed.
4. Independent reaction. Statements from the Nigeria Bar Association, civil society groups, the Miners Association of Nigeria, and the families have not yet been included, Nigerians ask, why?
5. Curfew status. Is it still in force, and what is its exact scope people need t know?