Amnesty International Condemns Use Of Lethal Force On Protesters In Minna Over Deaths Of 37 Miners

Amnesty International has condemned the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna, Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The rights organisation called for an immediate independent investigation into the deaths and the subsequent handling of the protests in the state.

The victims were among scores of people arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations against suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State between September 15 and 16, 2026. The NSCDC later confirmed that 37 detainees had died while in custody.

The Niger State NSCDC Command initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the agency’s national headquarters said the cause of death had not been established and that medical examinations and autopsies would be required to determine what happened.

The deaths triggered protests in parts of Minna, including Tunga, Maitumbi and Bosso Road, as residents and relatives of the deceased demanded answers over the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Security personnel were deployed to the affected areas as tensions escalated. Reports said security forces used tear gas and live ammunition during the protests, with at least two people reportedly killed and others sustaining injuries.

Amnesty International said some protesters were shot and left with severe injuries, describing the reported use of lethal force as unacceptable.

The organisation urged the authorities to immediately begin an independent and adequately resourced investigation into both the deaths in custody and the alleged use of lethal force during the protests.

It also called on the government to ensure that parents and relatives of those who died receive the necessary support to pursue justice and obtain adequate remedies.

The incident has prompted investigations by state and federal authorities. Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed the deaths and said a committee of inquiry had been established to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The NSCDC commandant in the state and members of his team were also suspended pending the investigation.

The Niger State Government subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew in Minna following the protests and suspended mining activities across the state until further notice.

The Federal Government has also ordered an investigation into the deaths, while authorities have said medical examinations and autopsies would be used to establish the cause of death.

Amnesty International said those responsible for any wrongdoing must be held accountable and that the families of the victims should have access to justice and effective remedies.