Fresh survivor testimony has raised disturbing questions over the deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, as investigations intensify into one of Nigeria's most serious recent cases involving deaths in state custody.

The victims, many of them young artisanal miners, died after being detained following security operations targeting suspected illegal mining around Minna.

Three survivors interviewed by Reuters alleged that more than 60 people were packed into a cell measuring roughly five square metres before guards sprayed an unidentified substance inside.

They said detainees subsequently began experiencing breathing difficulties, collapsing and dying one after another.

The allegations have not been independently established as the cause of the deaths.

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation, while federal authorities have suspended NSCDC personnel connected with the detention pending the outcome of inquiries.

SURVIVORS DESCRIBE CONDITIONS INSIDE CELL

Survivors told Reuters that the detainees were held in extremely cramped conditions after being arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining.

More than 60 people were allegedly placed inside a cell measuring approximately five square metres.

One survivor described the substance sprayed inside as having a smell resembling pepper, while another compared it to perfume.

According to their accounts, detainees soon began struggling to breathe.

They alleged that people started collapsing as those still conscious called for help.

The survivors further alleged that the cell remained locked despite their pleas.

Reuters interviewed three survivors whose accounts provided new details about the hours preceding the deaths.

37 DETAINEES DIED IN CUSTODY

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed that 67 artisanal and suspected illegal miners were taken into NSCDC custody before 37 died.

The detainees had been arrested during operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16.

The deaths occurred while they remained in custody.

Some of those detained were reported to be minors.

The incident has triggered national concern over the conditions in which the detainees were held and the responsibility of officials tasked with protecting people in government custody.

EXACT CAUSE OF DEATH REMAINS UNKNOWN

Despite the survivor testimony, authorities have not established the precise medical cause of the deaths.

The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak but subsequently said the actual cause remained under investigation.

Governor Bago has also cautioned against reaching conclusions before forensic examinations, medical assessments and investigations are completed.

Possible suffocation linked to overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances are among the circumstances being examined.

The unidentified substance described by survivors has not been independently identified.

TINUBU ORDERS FULL INVESTIGATION

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.

The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, conditions of detention, medical attention available to the detainees and events leading to their deaths.

The Nigeria Police Force has also taken over the scene and begun a separate investigation.

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu directed investigators to establish what happened and ensure accountability and respect for the constitutional rights of the deceased.

NSCDC OFFICERS SUSPENDED

Federal authorities have suspended multiple NSCDC personnel while investigations continue.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji Ojo initially announced the suspension of 20 officers connected with the case.

The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, was also suspended.

The affected personnel include officers responsible for arrests, investigation, intelligence, legal services, guard duties and other custodial responsibilities.

The suspensions are pending investigation and do not themselves establish criminal responsibility.

An independent 10 member investigative committee has also been constituted and given two weeks to investigate the deaths.

PROTESTS FOLLOW DEATHS

News of the deaths triggered protests and unrest in Minna as residents demanded answers and accountability.

The Niger State government subsequently imposed a 24 hour curfew on the state capital following clashes and property damage.

One additional death was reported during the unrest.

The government also suspended mining activities and cancelled a political rally scheduled in Minna.

The curfew has since been lifted as authorities reported an improvement in the security situation.

Niger State also declared three days of mourning for the victims.

FAMILIES WAIT FOR ANSWERS

The deaths have placed renewed scrutiny on the treatment of detainees and the responsibilities of security agencies towards people in their custody.

The central question investigators must now answer is what caused 37 people detained following the mining operation to die within hours while others survived.

Survivor testimony has provided investigators with potentially significant evidence, but forensic findings and official investigations will be necessary to establish the cause of death and determine whether negligence, misconduct or criminal acts occurred.

Until those investigations are completed, allegations concerning the actions of individual officers remain allegations and responsibility for the deaths has not been legally established.