By Emmanuel Thomas, SCM Reporter, Friday, Sept. 18, 2026
MINNA — Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, the Vice Presidential candidate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress (NDC), has expressed deep disturbance over the reported unrest and tragic loss of lives in Minna, the Niger State capital, following the deaths of more than 30 youths—including minors—while under the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The victims were apprehended during enforcement operations conducted by NSCDC operatives on September 15 and 16, 2026, targeting artisanal mining activities across the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto Village axis in Minna. However, within 24 to 48 hours of their detention, dozens of the young suspects were found dead under unclear circumstances.
Reacting to the incident, Senator Kwankwaso condemned the deaths as a severe failure of custodial duty and demanded an immediate, independent, and transparent investigation by both the Niger State Government and the Federal Government.
”I am deeply disturbed by the reported unrest in Minna, the capital of Niger State, following the deaths of more than 30 youths, including minors, while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC),” Kwankwaso stated.
”This tragic loss of life is yet another painful occurrence that must not go unanswered.
The Niger State Government and the Federal Government must promptly, thoroughly, independently, and transparently investigate how a detention of only one to two days could escalate into a catastrophe that claimed the lives of young people, including children. Those found responsible must face the full weight of the law, not merely internal or administrative sanctions.”
Extending his sympathies to the bereaved families, Kwankwaso added, “I extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to the families and all those affected by this tragedy.”
The tragedy stems from a “burst operation” launched by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC aimed at curbing unregulated artisanal mining in the state. While the Corps claimed the raids yielded significant arrests and tool recoveries, local community sources and rights groups reported that dozens of young laborers and minors were clamped into overcrowded holding cells.
By the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, at least 37 detainees were confirmed dead. The NSCDC Command attributed the incident to a sudden “suspected outbreak of disease,” whereas emerging accounts from survivors and human rights monitors point to severe overcrowding, suffocation, and lack of medical attention.
The incident triggered widespread outrage across Minna, prompting the Niger State Government to declare a 24-hour curfew, suspend local mining operations, and constitute a judicial panel of inquiry. State authorities also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending the outcome of the forensic and medical investigations.
Civil rights advocacy groups, including Amnesty International, have joined the call for criminal prosecution of officers involved, stressing that custodial deaths of this magnitude violate constitutional rights and fundamental human dignity.
