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An investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State has revealed serious lapses in the handling of detainees by personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), with the victims reportedly dying from suffocation inside an overcrowded cell.
The independent panel set up by the Federal Government confirmed 33 deaths and identified 41 survivors. Fourteen of those who died were minors.
Presenting the findings in Abuja on Tuesday, the committee chairman, Jonathan Kure, explained that the victims suffered acute respiratory failure caused by prolonged confinement in a poorly ventilated facility. Extreme heat, dehydration and inadequate access to drinking water worsened the situation.
The incident occurred between September 16 and 17, 2026, following the arrest of individuals suspected of involvement in illegal mining activities. According to the investigation, about 50 male detainees were held in a cell measuring approximately 20 square metres, despite its inadequate facilities.
The panel also discovered that detainees repeatedly called for help and demanded water as conditions inside the cell deteriorated. However, officers allegedly failed to respond promptly or take steps to ease the overcrowding and provide emergency assistance.
Investigators further faulted the circumstances surrounding the arrests, stating that the operations were carried out without adequate planning or consultation with relevant mining authorities. The detention facility also lacked sufficient ventilation, running water and a functioning toilet.
The committee rejected claims that a disease outbreak caused the deaths, saying medical and forensic findings pointed instead to environmental asphyxia. It also found no supporting evidence for allegations that an aerosol substance had been sprayed inside the cell.
Among its recommendations, the panel called for the prosecution of officers found culpable, the dismissal of those considered principally responsible and a comprehensive review of the NSCDC’s operations and detention procedures.
It also proposed ₦30m compensation for each of the 33 bereaved families and ₦10m for each of the 41 survivors, bringing the total package to approximately ₦1.4bn. Additional recommendations include educational assistance for dependants of deceased victims, medical care for survivors and psychological support for affected families.
Receiving the report, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said it would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation for further legal action. He also pledged that administrative recommendations would be considered and measures introduced to prevent a recurrence.
The committee described the incident as avoidable, highlighting the need for stronger supervision, improved detention facilities, effective emergency response systems and greater respect for the rights of people held in government custody.
