Tinubu Orders Investigation After 37 Miners Die in Custody

On September 15 and 16, 2026, 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were arrested during operations by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.

Following their detention, 37 of these miners died in custody. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago disclosed this tragic information, which has raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of detainees.

In response, President Bola Tinubu ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the miners' deaths. He directed that any officials found to have contributed to the fatalities be arrested and prosecuted.

This incident has highlighted issues of accountability and human rights within the context of law enforcement operations in Nigeria.