19/09/2026
37 people died in custody in Minna. Whatever the cause, we cannot normalise this.
Earlier this week, dozens of suspected illegal miners were found dead in an NSCDC detention facility in Minna, Niger State. The Niger State governor put the toll at 37, while some reports say 33.
The NSCDC has cited a suspected disease outbreak, and early reports point to overcrowding and poor ventilation. The cause has not been independently established, which is why a transparent investigation matters.
For those of us in the solid minerals sector, there is a harder question: who exactly is being arrested? Many are young artisanal diggers working with basic tools because the formal licensing route is too costly, too complex, or out of reach. Treating all of them as criminal syndicates hides the real problem.
An arrest is not a sentence. Everyone in custody, guilty or not, remains the state's responsibility.
Enforcement has its place. But it must come with safe detention, due process, and a real pathway for artisanal miners to become licensed, organised and accountable.
If formalisation stays a slogan, informal mining will only go further underground.
Justice for those who died, and strength to their families.
