Miners Allege Substance Was Sprayed in Overcrowded NSCDC Cell Before 37 Deaths

Survivors of the Niger State detention tragedy allege that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside an overcrowded NSCDC cell shortly before detainees began struggling to breathe. Thirty-seven suspected illegal gold miners died after being detained in Minna. One survivor said 17 people were first locked in a small, hot room before more detainees were brought in. He alleged that the smell of the substance disturbed those inside, while intense heat and poor ventilation caused people to collapse. Survivors said they cried for help and requested water, but claimed the cell was not opened. Another detainee said he survived because he was close to the entrance and could get more air. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a transparent investigation, while the Niger State NSCDC commandant has been suspended. The deaths sparked protests in Minna, where authorities later imposed a nighttime curfew.

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