Nigerian Security Forces Fire on Protesters Over Miner Deaths in Custody

Security forces in Nigeria have resorted to live ammunition and tear gas to disperse demonstrators protesting the deaths of 37 individuals who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The unrest continued into its second day on Friday in Minna, a city in Niger State known for its mineral wealth, where hundreds of people took to the streets.

While officials have not confirmed whether troops discharged live rounds or anti-riot pellets, witnesses told Reuters that bullets were used and described seeing a body lying on the ground. In response to the escalating violence, Niger State Governor Umar Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew and pledged a comprehensive investigation into the fatalities.

The 37 detainees, arrested earlier in the week during raids in the Wushishi-Lukoto area west of Minna, were suspected of illegal mining. The NSCDC initially speculated that an outbreak of disease might be responsible for the deaths but later clarified that the exact cause remains unconfirmed. The agency stated that further investigations, including medical examinations, would be conducted.

However, the families of the deceased buried the bodies on Thursday evening, raising concerns among relatives and observers about the feasibility of post-mortem procedures. An intelligence report reviewed by AFP suggested that poor ventilation and overcrowding in the cells may have led to suffocation, a theory echoed by protesters speaking to the Associated Press.

Survivors who managed to escape the facility recounted harrowing experiences. Dauda Shehu, speaking to journalists at a hospital in central Nigeria, described being “jam-packed” in a cell with no airflow. “We even appealed to them several times, banged the cell door, but they refused to answer us,” Shehu said, adding that detainees suddenly realized they could not breathe and scrambled for fresh air.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the suspension of Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, pending the outcome of the investigation. “It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

Niger State is a significant hub for mineral resources, including gold and uranium, making mining a vital sector of the local economy. Illegal mining is widespread across Nigeria and has frequently been linked to violence among armed groups vying for control of the lucrative trade.