Niger Govt Learnt of Miners’ Arrest Only After Deaths, Bago Says

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has said the state government was not informed about the arrest and detention of suspected illegal miners who later died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Bago made this known during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday night while speaking about the deaths of miners detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna.

The suspected miners were reportedly arrested by NSCDC personnel during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

According to the governor, 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were taken into custody, while 37 later died.

Bago said the exact cause of the deaths had not yet been established, adding that overcrowding and possible exposure to hazardous substances were among the factors being investigated.

He explained that the state government only became aware of the arrests after news of the deaths emerged and protests began.

“The state had no prior knowledge of the operation because the security agencies involved were under the control of the Federal Government,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has ordered an independent investigation into the deaths. The NSCDC has also detained personnel allegedly linked to the incident for questioning and disciplinary proceedings.

The Corps said the officers would be made available to the Presidential Independent Investigation Committee and other investigative panels for further questioning and possible prosecution.

Bago also expressed concern about the growing shift from farming to mining in some communities, noting that residents who have become dependent on income from mining may find it difficult to return to agriculture.

He further raised concerns about the conditions faced by artisanal miners, including inadequate protective equipment, poor accommodation and limited social support for mining communities.

Investigations are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish whether any individuals or institutions should be held responsible.

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