Centre Wants Transparent Probe Of 37 ‘Miners’ death

The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for a transparent and independent investigation into the death of 37 Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

CHRICED, in a statement signed by its executive director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, on Tuesday, said the victims were among 67 people detained on September 15 and 16, 2026, following their arrest over alleged illegal mining.

The organisation said while the NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, the circumstances surrounding the deaths remained unclear amid concerns over overcrowding, exposure to hazardous substances and alleged mistreatment.

It also alleged that survivors and families had reported poor detention conditions, extortion and abuse, saying the claims should be thoroughly investigated.

CHRICED said the right to life and human dignity remained applicable to suspects after arrest, stressing that anyone in state custody was entitled to humane treatment, due process, medical care and protection from torture and degrading treatment.

The organisation acknowledged the federal government’s suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers, as well as the establishment of an investigative committee.

However, it said the suspension of officials should not be regarded as a substitute for accountability.

According to CHRICED, the investigation should examine the entire chain of events leading to the deaths, including the arrests, detention conditions, supervision, medical care, complaints and emergency response.

It said that where evidence established criminal conduct, negligence or other wrongdoing, those responsible should face appropriate legal consequences, irrespective of their rank or position.

The organisation also questioned the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ detention, asking why they were held under such conditions, who authorised their detention, and how long they were meant to remain in custody.

CHRICED said illegal mining remained an offence that should be addressed through lawful enforcement and due process, but argued that the allegation could not justify overcrowding, degrading detention conditions, abuse or loss of life.

The organisation further called on the Federal Government to ensure that the investigation was genuinely independent and adequately resourced, with the involvement of security experts, medical and legal professionals and civil society actors.

It demanded full access to detention records, medical information, witnesses and other relevant evidence, as well as publication and implementation of the investigation’s findings.

CHRICED also called for redress and support for families of the deceased and survivors, protection of witnesses and whistleblowers, and an urgent nationwide audit of NSCDC and other security agencies’ detention facilities.

It said the audit should focus on overcrowding, sanitation, ventilation, food, water, medical care and emergency response.

The organisation also urged the government to strengthen independent monitoring of detention facilities, address socioeconomic conditions that push vulnerable Nigerians into artisanal and illegal mining, and improve sector regulation.

CHRICED said the deaths should not become another unresolved institutional failure, stressing that the responsibility of security agencies to arrest and detain also carries a duty to protect the lives and dignity of people in their custody.