A Federal Government investigative panel has blamed overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration for the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The panel, chaired by former Department of State Services Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, described the deaths, including those of 14 minors, as preventable and recommended the prosecution of officers found culpable.
Kure disclosed the findings on Tuesday while presenting the committee’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
The report found that the victims died from environmental asphyxiation after being held in a severely overcrowded cell with inadequate ventilation, no running water and a non-functioning toilet. Food and drinking water were also insufficient, while adults and minors were detained together.
The panel said officers ignored repeated cries for help and pleas for water despite worsening conditions. It also found that the operation leading to the arrests on September 15 and 16 was conducted without an approved operational order or adequate planning.
The committee rejected claims that a disease outbreak caused the deaths, saying medical and forensic evidence linked them to the conditions inside the detention facility.
It recommended the prosecution of culpable officers for offences including murder, criminal negligence, torture and inhuman treatment, where applicable. It also called for the dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC commandant and other officers directly responsible for the incident.
The panel further proposed ₦30 million in compensation for each of the 33 bereaved families and ₦10 million for each of the 41 survivors, bringing the total package to ₦1.4 billion. It also recommended educational assistance for dependants of the deceased, medical and psychological support for survivors and affected families, and a formal government apology.
Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo pledged that the Federal Government would implement its recommendations and ensure justice for the victims.
He directed the NSCDC Commandant-General to suspend officers allegedly involved in cleaning the detention facility before independent forensic investigators arrived, raising concerns about possible evidence destruction.
The report also called for sweeping reforms within the corps, including improved detention facilities, CCTV surveillance, stronger oversight, better emergency medical response and human rights training.
The victims died on September 17, 2026, while in NSCDC custody in Minna. They were among suspects arrested during operations against alleged illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
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