NSCDC Custody Tragedy: 37 Mining Suspects Die in Minna

On 17 September, 19-year-old Adamu Isah was arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for alleged illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna, Niger State.

After a few days in a cramped detention facility near the PDP Secretariat, 37 detainees died under distressing circumstances. Isah described the conditions as overcrowded and poorly ventilated.

On the third day, officials sprayed a chemical that caused severe reactions among the detainees. Isah recounted that one inmate began to struggle and foam at the mouth, leading to a series of deaths.

Detainees screamed for help, but officials reportedly told them to "just die." Eventually, 17 detainees managed to exit, with 11 requiring hospitalization. Isah showed bite marks from cellmates who exhibited violent behavior before their deaths.