Survivor Claims Substance Sprayed in NSCDC Cell After Deaths

A survivor detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside the cell where he and other suspected illegal miners were held, causing several detainees to collapse. This allegation emerged during a visit by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on September 18, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.

The detainees were arrested during operations against illegal mining on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak but later stated that the actual cause would be determined through medical examinations.

The federal government has ordered a full investigation, and the Niger State Government has formed a committee of inquiry. The bodies of the deceased are being examined at the General Hospital in Minna.

Protests have erupted in Minna as the community seeks answers regarding the incident.