Niger Miners’ D**ths: Families Reject ₦100,000, Demand Justice For Their Loved Ones

Families of some of the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have rejected a reported ₦100,000 payment from the state government, insisting that their priority is justice and accountability rather than compensation.

According to Bush Radio Academy, relatives of some of the deceased expressed their position in a video circulating online, saying the payment could be perceived as an attempt to silence them or place a monetary value on the lives lost in custody. They called for the circumstances surrounding the deaths to be fully established and for anyone found responsible to face the consequences.

The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, after they were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State. They were subsequently taken into NSCDC custody in Minna, where the deaths occurred.

The incident triggered protests and widespread public concern, with questions raised about the conditions under which the detainees were held. The NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors and relatives raised allegations concerning overcrowding and poor treatment. The precise circumstances and cause of the deaths remain subject to investigation.

One of the relatives described the reported payment as an attempt to silence the families, saying they wanted the authorities to focus on determining what happened to their loved ones rather than offering financial assistance.

Another family member said relatives had instructed their children not to accept the money, arguing that accepting it would not address the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The families also questioned the amount being offered, noting that many of the deceased depended on mining activities to provide for their households. They said the loss of their breadwinners had left some families facing serious economic difficulties, particularly those with children who depended on the deceased for food and other basic needs.

One grieving relative said the payment appeared to attach a monetary value to the lives of those who died, stressing that the families wanted accountability rather than financial compensation.

The relatives further called on authorities to investigate allegations surrounding the arrests and detention of the miners. Some claimed that detainees were allegedly confronted with demands relating to bail, mining sites or the surrender of land after their arrests. These claims have not been established as facts and remain part of the allegations surrounding the incident.

The families, however, urged their children and other youths not to retaliate over the deaths. One relative appealed for patience and called on the affected families to leave the matter to God while the investigation continues.

The Federal Government has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths. President Bola Tinubu directed that the circumstances of the arrests, detention conditions, medical attention provided to the detainees and events leading to their deaths be examined.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, subsequently inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence. The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC has placed 24 personnel in custody in connection with the incident, following the identification of additional officers linked to the case. The affected personnel are expected to be made available to the investigative committee and other panels for further investigation and possible disciplinary or legal action.

The families continue to insist that the identities of those responsible, if any, must be established and that appropriate action should follow based on the findings of the ongoing investigation.