Niger Governor Bago Launches Probe into NSCDC Custody Deaths

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced that 37 individuals died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna. The governor stated that the state government has initiated an investigation to ascertain the circumstances surrounding these mass deaths.

Preliminary information suggests that the victims may have succumbed to suffocation or lead poisoning. However, Bago emphasized the importance of awaiting the investigation's conclusion before drawing any definitive conclusions about the cause of death.

He indicated that the investigation would also examine the conditions under which the detainees died and hold accountable any parties found to be responsible for wrongdoing or negligence. The deceased were reportedly individuals arrested on suspicion of illegal mining activities.