Atiku Demands Accountability Over Deaths Of Suspected Miners In NSCDC Custody

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has demanded accountability over the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said the suspects were entitled to protection and dignity while in government custody, irrespective of the allegations against them.

“I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

“These were human beings—sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones, whose families had every right to expect that, whatever allegations they faced, the state would protect their lives and dignity while they remained in its custody.

“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” he said.

Atiku commended the federal government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and ordering a full investigation into the deaths.

“I commend the federal government for the swift decision to suspend the officers under whose watch this tragedy occurred and to order a full investigation. That is an important first step, but it must not end there,” he said.

The former Vice President called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation, with the findings made public.

“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public.

“Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable,” he said.

He added that the families of the deceased deserved more than condolences from the authorities.

“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” Atiku said.

Atiku also expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and called for the circumstances surrounding the deaths to be established without delay.

“My heart goes out to the bereaved families. I pray that God grants them strength and comfort in this painful hour, and that the truth is established without delay,” he said.

The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC said some of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what its Niger State Command described as a suspected disease outbreak.

According to the corps, the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

Niger State governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody, saying forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.

The federal government has since suspended Aniviye and ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.

The cause of the deaths has not been established.

Reports of possible overcrowding and poor ventilation have emerged, but authorities have said investigations and medical examinations are required before conclusions can be reached.