Tragedy In Custody: The Deaths Of Young Miners In Niger State

By Owolola Adebola

In the early hours of 17 September 2026, a grim discovery was made in Minna, capital of Nigeria’s mineral-rich Niger State. Thirty-seven young men and boys, arrested days earlier on suspicion of illegal mining, were found dead in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). Many of the deceased were teenagers, some as young as 14 or 15.

The circumstances remain contested and opaque, sparking public outrage, protests and urgent calls for an independent investigation. The suspects had been rounded up on 15 and 16 September during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna. Artisanal mining for gold and other minerals is widespread in the state, drawing thousands of young people seeking livelihoods amid economic hardship.

Banditry, Its Politics And Practitioners

 By Owei Lakemfa

One of the major challenges of Nigeria since colonial times had been corruption. But President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has now proclaimed its death. Corruption is gone! Futuristic laser technology must have been used to carry out such a comprehensive and professional operation on corruption in the body polity of Nigeria.

So sophisticated that we Nigerians were not even aware we were on anesthetics until the operation had been successfully carried out. There also did not appear to be casualties in the final battle that ended corruption; no corrupt persons sent to jail, and no announced recovery of the trillions looted. It is nothing short of a 21st century miracle.