# 37 die in Nigerian prison cell during illegal mining crackdown

> Survivors describe suffocation in overcrowded cells as paramilitary forces detain suspected goldminers, many of them children, in Niger state.
- Title: 37 die in Nigerian prison cell during illegal mining crackdown
- Summary: Survivors describe suffocation in overcrowded cells as paramilitary forces detain suspected goldminers, many of them children, in Niger state. Overcrowding…
- Keywords: nigeria, niger state, nscdc, illegal mining, goldminers, prison deaths, overcrowding, paramilitary custody, minna, protests, children deaths, news
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/world/2026/sep/18/survivor-panic-struggle-breathe-nigeria-prison-cell-died-minna
- Published: 2026-09-18T17:27:39+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: nigeria, niger state, nscdc, illegal mining, goldminers, prison deaths, overcrowding, paramilitary custody, minna, protests, children deaths, news
## 37 miners die in Nigerian prison cell
Suspected illegal goldminers, many aged 14 to 18, were found dead Thursday in cells run by Nigeria's paramilitary NSCDC after raids on mines in Niger state.
## Survivors describe suffocation and panic
Survivor Dauda Shehu told journalists the cell was jam-packed with no ventilation. Detainees screamed for help and banged on the door, but guards refused to respond.

> We were jam-packed in the cell, no ventilation for us to breathe well.
## Overcrowding and poor ventilation blamed
An intelligence report seen by Agence France-Presse said preliminary findings pointed to overcrowding and inadequate ventilation. The NSCDC initially blamed a disease outbreak.
## Many victims were children, not adults
Governor Umar Bago confirmed 37 deaths and said many were children aged 14 to 18 working in mines instead of attending school. He declared three days of mourning.

> There are issues of illegal mining and it is taking a toll on our children.
## Protests erupt in Minna city
On Friday, dozens of miners and relatives gathered near the NSCDC office demanding justice. Police fired teargas and live rounds as some protesters tried to set fire to government buildings.

> We are not thieves, we are simply seeking a way to make a living by mining.
## Curfew imposed, officials suspended
Police imposed an overnight curfew in Minna starting at 6pm Friday. Nigeria's interior minister suspended the NSCDC commandant pending investigation, and President Tinubu ordered a full inquiry.
## Gold smuggling fuels Niger state violence
Niger state is Nigeria's largest and mineral-rich, attracting thousands of artisanal miners seeking gold. Criminal gangs tax miners and demand cuts from extracted ore, fueling violence.
## Smuggled gold reaches global markets
Most illegally mined gold from Niger state is smuggled to the United Arab Emirates and laundered into global supply chains across Europe, the US, Asia and South Africa.
## Niger state holds critical minerals too
Beyond gold, Niger state has deposits of tantalite, copper and lithium in strong demand for electric vehicles and clean energy technology, making the region strategically important.
## Key takeaway

Overcrowding and lack of ventilation killed 37 suspected illegal miners held by Nigeria's paramilitary NSCDC, sparking protests and a government investigation.