Nigeria's federal police announced on Sunday that they have opened a formal inquiry into the deaths of 37 individuals who were being held on suspicion of illegal mining activities. The suspects, who had been detained at a police facility, were found dead under circumstances that have prompted calls for a thorough investigation.
According to statements released by the police, the investigation will examine the conditions of detention, the handling of the detainees, and any possible procedural lapses that could have contributed to the fatalities. Officials indicated that forensic examinations and witness testimonies would form part of the evidentiary base for the inquiry.
Human‑rights organisations have expressed concern over the incident, noting that custodial deaths remain a persistent issue in the country. While the police have not disclosed the exact cause of the deaths, they have pledged to cooperate with relevant oversight bodies and to make the findings of the probe public once completed.
The incident follows a broader crackdown on illegal mining operations, which have been linked to environmental degradation and loss of revenue for the state. Nigerian authorities have intensified enforcement actions in recent months, targeting unlicensed extraction sites across several regions.
The police spokesperson emphasized that the investigation aims to determine whether the deaths resulted from neglect, medical complications, or other factors, and to hold any responsible parties accountable. No arrests have been reported in connection with the deaths, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The development adds to ongoing debates about law‑enforcement practices and the need for reforms to ensure the safety and rights of individuals in police custody. International observers have urged the Nigerian government to strengthen oversight mechanisms and to provide transparent reporting on such incidents.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/18/nigerian-police-probe-death-in-custody-of-37-illegal-mining-suspects?traffic_source=rss.