Thirty-seven people suspected of illegal mining have died in custody in Niger State, north-central Nigeria, prompting a police investigation, public unrest and a 24-hour curfew in the capital, Minna. Authorities initially suggested a possible disease outbreak, but an intelligence report and relatives alleged that overcrowding, extreme heat and poor ventilation caused the deaths.

More than 50 people had reportedly been detained near Borgu, a small-scale gold-mining area, without yet being charged. The bodies were taken to a hospital for examination, an NSCDC commander was detained, and the governor declared three days of mourning; the deaths have also renewed concerns about detention conditions, due process and the wider violence and trafficking linked to illegal gold mining.