37 die in Nigerian custody: Reports blame overcrowding, government disputes claim

France24 - Sep 19, 2026

Authorities in north-central Nigeria are investigating the deaths of 37 people while they were in custody for illegal mining. Officials say the detainees died at a detention facility in Niger state, with the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps pointing to a possible disease outbreak. However, some reports suggest overcrowding and poor ventilation may have contributed to the deaths. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent Sam Olukoya.

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