‘Foam, blood, burns’: Niger gov reveals chilling details as Minna erupts in riots over 37 miners’ deaths

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has imposed a 24-hour curfew on parts of Minna after youths took to the streets in violent protest over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps — as President Bola Tinubu ordered a full-scale transparent investigation and the Interior Minister suspended the state NSCDC Commandant.

According to Vanguard, the governor, who cautioned against premature conclusions, revealed disturbing physical details from the deceased. “Some of the victims were found with foam or blood in their mouths which could be poisoning or suffocation. We are not sure. There were burns on the bodies of some. We really don’t know what happened but investigation will unravel the truth,” Bago said, adding that forensic examinations, autopsies and samples had been taken before burial.

Protesters barricaded major roads in Minna, prompting security forces to deploy teargas — with human rights organisation Global Rights demanding a probe into reports that live ammunition was also used against demonstrators.

Tinubu, in a statement by spokesman Bayo Onanuga, said: “The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody. Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence.”

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the immediate suspension of NSCDC Niger State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, while the Inspector General of Police assured that a transparent investigation would be conducted.

The miners were arrested during a “burst operation” in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto Village areas between September 15 and 16, 2026. Bago has since ordered the suspension of all mining activities in the state and the closure of the illegal mining site.