37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody in Niger State
Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State died in custody, prompting demands for independent probes, autopsies and accountability from the African Democratic Congress, Amnesty International, Atiku Abubakar and the federal government.
Deaths of 37 Detainees Spark Multiple Investigations
The 37 suspects were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages on 15 and 16 September. [1] The NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye was suspended by the Minister of Interior. [3] The corps and Niger State government each formed investigative committees, with forensic examinations, medical checks and autopsies ordered to determine the cause of death. [4] The NSCDC National Public Relations Officer stated that the team would examine the condition of the suspects when arrested, the period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided. [4] The remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination. [4] The cause of the deaths has not been established. [3]
ADC Calls for Independent Probe and Prosecutions
The African Democratic Congress demanded an independent transparent investigation, publication of victims’ identities and detention records, compensation for families, and prosecution of responsible officials. [1] The party stated that the deaths reflect the government’s failure to address poverty and unemployment. [1] In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC said thirty-seven Nigerians entered government custody alive and their families are now being asked to receive their bodies. [1] The party insisted that poverty is not a capital offence and that the incident cannot be separated from the worsening cost-of-living and unemployment crises. [1] It alleged that the government targets poor miners for arrest while failing to prosecute influential individuals and criminal networks involved in illegal mining. [1]
Amnesty International and Atiku Demand Accountability
Amnesty International called for a prompt, thorough, independent probe into the arrests and detention conditions, noting victims included minors. [4] The organisation insisted those responsible face justice rather than internal sanctions. [4] It urged authorities to establish how the detention descended into a disaster that killed minors and said the investigation must cover the circumstances of the arrests and the conditions in which the suspects were detained. [4] Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also demanded full accountability, saying anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should be held fully accountable and that families deserve the truth and justice. [3]
Federal Government Promises No Cover-up
The federal government through Minister Mohammed Idris assured no one culpable would be shielded. [3] The minister expressed condolences and emphasised that enforcement must respect human life. [3] He said the government’s responsibility is to establish the facts before determining culpability and that there will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. [3] Immediate steps had already been taken following the suspension of the Niger State Commandant by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. [3] The minister appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State while urging residents to allow the investigation to proceed without interference. [3]
Niger State Government Actions and Mourning
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody. [3] The state formed a committee chaired by the deputy governor, with the Commissioner for Homeland Security serving as secretary. [5] The committee was ordered to conduct forensic examinations and autopsies. [5] The governor declared three days of mourning, ordered closure of illegal mining at the site and warned against vigilantism. [5] He assured families that the government would investigate the incident and bring the matter to a logical conclusion while compiling a register of the deceased's families. [5]
Separate Kidnapping Arrests in Anambra
In a separate Anambra State case, police arrested two suspected kidnappers who held a victim for three days, withdrew N7 million from his accounts and stole his SUV. [2] The suspects, Victor Onwuka alias Bugatti and Chidiebere Madukaife, were arrested on 16 August at Akpukpokelemu Village, Nimo. [2] The victim was rescued during the operation by the Violent Crime Response Unit. [2] In a separate operation on 15 September, five other suspects were arrested for armed robbery and snatching of a tricycle in April in Asaba, Delta State. [2] The suspects and the recovered tricycle remain in police custody while investigation continues. [2]
What to watch next: The NSCDC investigative team and Niger State committee will continue examining detention conditions and medical records, while the Anambra police pursue additional members of the kidnapping and tricycle theft syndicates still at large.
