Nigeria Mine Accidents: 37+ Deaths Reported in Gas Leaks & Explosions

At least 37 miners have died in a carbon monoxide poisoning incident at an informal mining site in Nigeria’s Plateau state, with reports emerging on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. The tragedy occurred at a mining pit in the community of Kampani, within the Wase local government area, according to multiple reports.

The incident took place around 5:45 AM local time, as miners were working underground. Initial reports suggest a build-up of carbon monoxide gas within the poorly ventilated tunnels led to the deaths. Approximately 25 other miners were hospitalized due to the poisoning, though their current condition remains unclear.

Conflicting information has emerged regarding the exact number of fatalities. While some witnesses, including miner Safiyanu Haruna, claim 37 miners died, state officials initially reported 33 deaths, attributing the incident to a blast. However, Haruna and others at the scene insist the cause was a carbon monoxide leak. The BBC reported at least 33 deaths based on witness testimony.

The mining operation is run by Solid Unity Nigeria Ltd. Security personnel have sealed off the mine, located approximately 200km (124 miles) southeast of Jos, the state capital, as an investigation into the cause of the leak gets underway. The investigation’s progress is potentially hampered by security concerns in the region, where armed criminal gangs, locally known as bandits, have been active in recent years.

The slow response from state officials has also drawn criticism. The BBC reported that state officials had yet to visit the area as of several hours after the incident. This delay is reportedly linked to the aforementioned security concerns, hindering access to the remote mining site.

Haruna, who discovered the bodies at the start of his shift, told the BBC that some miners survived and were transported to a hospital in Wase for treatment. He described the miners as having just completed their early morning Muslim prayers before returning underground to continue their work when the gas leak occurred.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by miners working in informal and often unregulated mining operations in Nigeria. These sites frequently lack adequate safety measures, including proper ventilation and gas detection systems, putting workers at significant risk. The Plateau state government has issued a statement acknowledging the incident and promising an investigation, but details regarding preventative measures to avoid future tragedies remain scarce.

Nigeria is rich in mineral resources, including lead, zinc, and tin, and mining contributes to the country’s economy. However, the sector is often characterized by artisanal and small-scale mining, which is largely unregulated and poses significant safety and environmental challenges. The lack of oversight often leads to hazardous working conditions and environmental degradation.

The tragedy also raises questions about the enforcement of safety regulations within Nigeria’s mining industry. While regulations exist, their implementation and monitoring appear to be inadequate, particularly in remote areas like Kampani. The incident is likely to fuel calls for stricter oversight and improved safety standards across the sector.

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) highlights the broader implications of unchecked gas emissions, though not directly related to this specific incident. The UNFCCC emphasizes the need to control gas emissions to mitigate injuries, deaths, and property losses. While the Nigerian mine tragedy stems from a localized carbon monoxide leak, it underscores the dangers associated with poorly managed industrial processes and the importance of prioritizing worker safety and environmental protection.

This incident occurs against a backdrop of broader security challenges in Nigeria, particularly in the north-central region where Plateau state is located. The presence of armed bandits and other criminal groups complicates rescue efforts and hinders access to remote areas, as evidenced by the reported delays in the arrival of state officials. The interplay between economic activity, security concerns, and governance challenges underscores the complex context surrounding this tragedy.