IBN News | October 27, 2026
A Federal Government investigative committee has found that 37 suspected illegal miners died from asphyxiation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, describing the deaths as avoidable and recommending sweeping disciplinary measures against officers implicated in the incident.
The committee, chaired by former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, presented its findings to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday.
According to the report, the victims died on September 17, 2026, while being held at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna, Niger State. They were among dozens of suspects arrested during operations against alleged illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state.
The panel reportedly found that the detainees, including 14 minors, had been held in inhuman conditions before their deaths.
PANEL RECOMMENDS ₦1.4 BILLION COMPENSATION
In a major recommendation, the committee proposed compensation totalling ₦1.4 billion for the families of 33 deceased victims and 44 survivors.
The recommendation is intended to provide redress to families who lost relatives and survivors affected by the incident. The report did not indicate that the compensation had already been paid.
The deaths have raised serious questions about the treatment of detainees, the conditions inside the facility and the responsibility of officials entrusted with the custody and safety of arrested persons.
Although the victims were reportedly arrested over suspected illegal mining, their detention did not remove their right to life, humane treatment and due process under Nigerian law.
STATE COMMANDANT, OTHER OFFICERS FACE DISCIPLINARY RECOMMENDATIONS
The investigative panel recommended the summary dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers found to have been directly involved in the detention of the miners and the circumstances leading to their deaths.
The committee also recommended institutional reforms within the NSCDC to strengthen leadership, improve accountability and prevent similar incidents in the future.
In a further development, Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo directed the immediate suspension of officers alleged to have cleaned up the detention centre in a manner intended to destroy evidence.
The directive signals a move to address concerns about the preservation of evidence and whether any actions taken after the deaths could have compromised the investigation.
The panel’s recommendations, however, remain distinct from any criminal prosecution or final disciplinary decisions that may follow. Any individual accused of wrongdoing remains entitled to due process.
GOVERNMENT PROMISES ACTION
Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo reportedly assured the committee that the Federal Government would implement its recommendations to ensure justice for the affected families and survivors.
The minister’s response places responsibility on the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to follow through on the proposed disciplinary actions, compensation and institutional reforms.
The incident also underscores the need for stronger safeguards in detention facilities, including proper monitoring of detainees, adequate ventilation, accurate custody records, access to medical attention and independent oversight.
The reported deaths of 37 people in state custody represent a grave development that demands transparency and accountability. The involvement of minors makes the circumstances even more troubling and heightens the urgency of measures to prevent similar tragedies.
As the government considers the panel’s findings, affected families will be looking for more than assurances. They will expect credible accountability, fair compensation and reforms that protect every person taken into custody.
