Nigerian forces fire on protesters after 37 miners die in police custody

The federal government of Nigeria announced on Monday that it will launch a full investigation after 37 miners died while in police custody in Niger State. The deaths were reported at a detention facility in the state’s mining district, where the men had been held pending inquiries into illegal mining activities. Local officials confirmed the fatalities, noting that the detainees were found unresponsive during a routine health check.

Authorities said the investigation will be led by the Ministry of Interior in coordination with the Niger State Police Command and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The probe will examine the circumstances surrounding the detentions, the conditions of the holding cells, and any potential violations of legal or human‑rights standards. The government pledged to release a report of its findings and to take appropriate action based on the results, signaling a commitment to accountability in the handling of custodial deaths.