“We Drank Urine To Survive” — Survivor’s Shocking Account After 37 Detainees Die In Custody

By Passman Akpos

MINNA, NIGER STATE — Questions are mounting over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, with multiple investigations now underway to establish exactly what happened inside the detention facility.

The victims were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. The detainees were reportedly found dead in the early hours of September 17

The deaths have triggered public outrage, protests and demands for accountability, particularly because the victims died while in government custody.

Atiku Demands Justice

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar expressed deep sadness over the deaths, stressing that the victims were human beings whose families expected the state to protect their lives and dignity while they remained in custody.

“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” Atiku said.

He called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation, with the findings made public.

According to Atiku, anyone found responsible through direct action, abuse or negligence should be held accountable.

“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” he said.

Disease Or Conditions Inside The Cell?

The initial explanation from the Niger State NSCDC Command was that the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the NSCDC national headquarters later clarified that the specific cause of death had not been established, stressing that medical and laboratory examinations were necessary before any conclusion could be reached.

That clarification has intensified questions about what happened inside the detention facility.

A survivor, Dauda Shehu, reportedly alleged that a large number of detainees were packed into a single cell and that the conditions became extremely hot and difficult to breathe in.

Shehu also alleged that detainees repeatedly called for help and complained about the conditions inside the cell.

Other reports have cited allegations of overcrowding and poor ventilation. However, those allegations have not been established as the definitive cause of death, and the authorities say forensic and medical examinations are required.

37 People Entered Custody Alive

The circumstances have raised fundamental questions about the treatment of suspects in government detention.

The NSCDC itself has said its investigation will examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, the conditions of detention and the medical attention provided to them.

Among the questions demanding answers are:

– How many detainees were held in the cell?

– Was there adequate ventilation?

– Was sufficient drinking water available?

– What was the medical condition of the detainees when they were arrested?

– When did officers first notice that detainees were becoming seriously ill?

– Were emergency medical services immediately summoned?

– Were minors among those detained?

– Were adequate detention procedures followed?

– What exactly caused the deaths

– Were there any failures of duty by officers responsible for the detainees?

Commandant Suspended As Investigations Begin

The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and other officials under his command have been ordered to step aside while investigations continue.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, while NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi directed that a high-powered investigative team examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC said personnel found to have breached the law, established procedures or professional standards could face administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions, depending on the findings.

Niger Government Sets Up Inquiry

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the deaths as “sad” and “tragic” and confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody.

The state government has constituted a committee of inquiry chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, with Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji serving as secretary.

Forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies are expected to help determine the scientific cause of death.

The police, DSS and NSCDC have also initiated separate investigations.

Governor Bago additionally declared three days of mourning for the victims and appealed for calm following protests sparked by the deaths.

Families Demand Answers

The tragedy has left families searching for answers about how their loved ones, who were arrested as suspects, ended up dead before facing trial.

Reports have also contained allegations concerning the circumstances surrounding some arrests and claims of poor treatment in detention. Such allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as established facts until verified.

What is established is that the detainees were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and subsequently died while in NSCDC custody.

Being arrested on suspicion of an offence does not amount to a criminal conviction.

The Bigger Questions

The tragedy now goes beyond the question of illegal mining.

It raises questions about the responsibility of government agencies to safeguard the lives of people placed under their control.

Were the detention conditions adequate?

Were the detainees properly screened medically?

Was there sufficient access to water, ventilation and emergency healthcare?

Did officers respond appropriately when detainees reportedly raised alarms?

And, most importantly, what caused 37 people to die within a government detention facility shortly after their arrest?

Those questions can only be conclusively answered by credible medical evidence, witness accounts, detention records and the findings of the various investigations.

For the families of the deceased, condolences alone cannot resolve the uncertainty.

They need the identities of their loved ones confirmed, the circumstances of their deaths established and the findings of the investigations made public.

Thirty-seven people entered government custody as suspects. They never came out alive. Nigerians now deserve to know exactly what happened.

Tarakirivoice will continue to monitor the investigations and report verified developments as they emerge.