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

https://mins.news/en/item/65411

- France 24, 2026-09-19 11:26 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.france24.com/en/37-die-in-nigerian-custody-reports-blame-overcrowding-government-disputes-claim

> Authorities in north-central Nigeria are investigating the deaths of 37 people detained over illegal mining. Officials say the deaths occurred at a facility in Niger state and may have resulted from a disease outbreak, while other reports cite overcrowding and inadequate ventilation as possible factors.

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- [Nigeria president orders prosecution over deaths of suspected illegal miners](https://mins.news/en/item/65944) — CGTN, 2026-09-19
- [37 die in Nigerian custody: Reports blame overcrowding, government disputes claim](https://mins.news/en/video/65413) — France 24 English, 2026-09-19
- [Dozens of suspected illegal miners die in Nigerian custody](https://mins.news/en/item/64100) — BBC News, 2026-09-18