Family members wail over bodies of 37 illegal miners found de@d in NSCDC custody (video)

Heartbreaking video shows the moment family members found the unconscious bodies of their loved ones in a cell in Niger State. 
The illegal miners were detained in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State following their arrest between September 15 and 16, 2026. 
On the morning of September 17, thirty-seven of the detained illegal miners were found de@d. 
A statement signed by the Niger State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the victims were di£d following a disease outbreak in the cell and their corpses have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination (read here). 
However, family members are demanding answers as to what kind of disease led to their de@ths within 24 hours. 
A video shared online shows family members calling out the names of their loved ones as they saw their bodies lying close together in the cell. Some of the deceased looked to be as young as teenagers. 
 

“Salim, Salim,” one woman covered in hijab screamed while heading towards a body.

Some of the bodies appeared to be foaming from the mouth.

Another video shows more family members waiting outside the building housing their d£ad loved ones. They wailed as they called the names of their loved ones. 
Nigerians on social media have expressed outrage over the de@ths and are demanding answers. 

Watch the video here and here.
See more videos below.

At least 33 suspected illegal miners are feared dead after being detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. 
They were arrested during operations on 15–16 September 2026 against illegal mining and held at an NSCDC facility. Deaths were… pic.twitter.com/oXWAqLkme5

— Brave (@Gideon_ML) September 18, 2026

Heartbreaking video showing some guys reacting to the 37 men (Minners) who died in NSCDC detention, saying the government must be held responsible for their deaths, yet their parents will still vote for APC👀 pic.twitter.com/QripAzzO6N

— CrownprinceCom2 (@CrownprinceCom2) September 18, 2026