The National President of the National Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Cooperative Society, Abdullahi Dantasidi, has demanded a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 miners in Niger State.
Dantasidi expressed deep sorrow over the incident, which involved miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
He said the circumstances surrounding their deaths raised serious concerns about the treatment of artisanal miners. He also called on the government to prioritise miners’ security, welfare and interests.
Dantasidi made the remarks during an interview with journalists in Keffi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State on Sunday.
He stressed that artisanal miners contribute significantly to Nigeria’s mining sector and deserve protection while carrying out their activities.
37 Miners Found Dead in NSCDC Custody
According to reports, NSCDC mining marshals raided mining sites around the Wushishi-Lukoto area, west of Minna, on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of scores of people suspected of engaging in illegal mining.
However, 37 of the arrested miners were reportedly found dead inside an overcrowded NSCDC detention cell in Minna early on September 17.
The incident has triggered calls for accountability and a detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Dantasidi described the development as painful and unfortunate. He said the loss affected not only the miners’ families but also the mining sector and Nigeria as a whole.
The incident has also raised wider questions about the treatment of people held in custody. Family Demands IG Investigation Into Death of Anambra Nursing Student
Dantasidi Says Miners’ Contributions Must Be Recognised
Reacting to the deaths, Dantasidi said he was deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of lives.
He described the deceased as young men who could have contributed to the growth of the mining industry and the country’s development.
He said the artisanal mining community was concerned about how its members were treated and called for changes.
Dantasidi also rejected the description of the miners as illegal operators, insisting that artisanal miners play an important role in identifying and exploring mineral resources.
He said the government should work with artisanal miners rather than treat them as criminals.
According to him, the group’s contribution remains essential to the development of Nigeria’s mining industry.
Artisanal Miners Urged to Receive Government Support
Dantasidi explained that artisanal miners often travel into remote areas to identify mineral deposits.
He said they leave their families behind and work in difficult conditions to help reveal the country’s mineral wealth.
He argued that the government should recognise their efforts and create a framework for cooperation.
Dantasidi said collaboration between the government and artisanal miners could produce benefits for both parties.
He also called for incentives to improve miners’ productivity and output.
According to him, supporting artisanal miners could help strengthen the country’s mining sector and improve its contribution to the economy.
The call for support comes amid wider discussions about economic development and opportunities across Nigeria. RMAFC Seeks Chinese Investment to Boost Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Revenue
President Tinubu Asked to Prioritise Mining Sector
Dantasidi urged President Bola Tinubu to give greater attention to the mining sector.
He said the industry had significant potential to reduce poverty and create economic opportunities.
He called for government policies that would help artisanal miners operate productively and safely.
Dantasidi maintained that recognising the role of artisanal miners could help the government achieve its objectives for the sector.
He also said appropriate incentives could increase output and support the development of mineral resources.
Police Asked to Investigate Deaths
Dantasidi called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate how the 37 miners died.
He urged investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that anyone found culpable faces justice.
He also commiserated with Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.
The mining cooperative president said the deaths represented a painful loss for the affected families and the wider mining community.
His demand adds to calls for a transparent investigation into the incident and the treatment of the miners while in custody.
Calls for Accountability and Better Miners’ Welfare
The deaths have renewed attention on the security and welfare of artisanal miners in Nigeria.
Dantasidi said the government should work with the mining community to develop a system that recognises its contribution while addressing concerns about illegal mining.
He maintained that artisanal miners could support national development if they received the necessary cooperation and incentives.
He also stressed that authorities must establish what happened in the Minna detention facility.
The police investigation, he said, should identify those responsible and ensure accountability.
The incident has also prompted wider public concern about deaths in custody and the need for proper investigations. Enugu Lawmaker Calls for Safer Measures After Coal Camp Drowning
Mining Sector Faces Renewed Welfare Questions
Artisanal miners often work in remote locations while searching for mineral deposits.
Dantasidi said their efforts help identify resources that could contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.
He argued that government support could improve their working conditions and increase productivity.
He further called for a stronger partnership between authorities and artisanal mining groups.
The cooperative president said the government should recognise miners’ contributions while ensuring their safety and welfare.
He maintained that the deaths of the 37 miners must receive a thorough investigation.
As authorities face calls to establish what happened, Dantasidi urged the police to pursue the matter and bring any culpable individuals to justice.
The incident has become a major concern for the artisanal mining community, which is seeking accountability and improved treatment for its members.
Related Reports
The issue of safety and accountability has also featured in other reports, including LASUTH Doctors Begin Indefinite Strike Over Unpaid Allowances and Anambra Child Abuse: Mother Arrested Over Alleged Brutalisation of Seven-Year-Old Daughter.
Other stories on public institutions and government responsibilities include NNPC Launches First Smart Self-Service Filling Station in Abuja and Enugu Govt Denies Tax Protest, Says Transport Operators Sought Parking Space.
For further coverage of security and public affairs, see Oyo School Abduction: Five Ansaru Suspects Plead Not Guilty to Amended Charges, NNPC Breaks Silence After Oil Tanker Caught With 2,145kg Cannabis, and Enugu Has No Confirmed Diphtheria Case, Health Commissioner Says.
The police investigation into the Niger miners’ deaths is expected to be central to determining how the incident occurred and whether anyone should face prosecution.
