Nigeria investigates deaths of 37 illegal-mining detainees

Authorities in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, are investigating the reported deaths of 37 people detained over alleged illegal mining.

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps said a possible disease outbreak may have been involved. The detainees were reportedly held at a detention facility in the state.

Other reports cited overcrowding and poor ventilation as possible contributing factors. Those explanations have not been established as the cause of death.

The investigation comes as the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear. The available reports do not provide precise details about when the deaths occurred or the facility’s location within Niger State.

France 24 reported the competing explanations, including the official reference to a possible disease outbreak and reports concerning detention conditions. Authorities have not established whether disease, overcrowding, poor ventilation or a combination of factors was responsible.