Nigerian Agencies Open Inquiries After 37 Die in NSCDC Custody

Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners died while detained at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps command in Minna after arrests during September 15–16 operations in the M.I. Wushishi-Lukoto area. Niger State's police commissioner assigned the State Criminal Investigation Department to establish the circumstances. The NSCDC commandant-general created a team to examine the detainees’ condition on arrest, detention conditions, time in custody and medical care. The bodies were taken to General Hospital, Minna, for examination; the agency said any cause, including disease claims, awaits medical and laboratory confirmation. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared three days of mourning.