Families of 37 miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State are demanding justice and the return of their relatives’ seized belongings.
The families made the demand after a presidential investigative panel released its findings into the September deaths. The report identified overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration and neglect as major factors behind the tragedy.
The miners were among people arrested during security operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State. Authorities detained them at an NSCDC facility in Minna, where the deaths occurred between September 16 and 17.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about human rights, police accountability and the treatment of suspects in detention facilities.
Niger Miners Panel Identifies Overcrowding and Neglect
On October 27, the 10-member investigative committee presented its findings to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Abuja.
Committee chairman Jonathan Kure said the detainees died from asphyxiation caused by severe overcrowding and poor ventilation. He added that heat stress, dehydration and failures in basic care contributed to the deaths.
The investigation also found that officers failed to respond adequately to repeated distress calls from detainees. Some victims reportedly pleaded for water and assistance as conditions inside the facility worsened.
The panel described the deaths as preventable and recommended disciplinary action against officers found responsible. It also proposed compensation for affected families and survivors, alongside reforms within the NSCDC.
Following the presentation, Tunji-Ojo said the government would forward the report to the Attorney-General of the Federation for judicial action.
Families Reject Financial Compensation Alone
Despite the government’s response, relatives of the deceased say compensation cannot replace the lives they lost.
Zainab Salihu, whose son died in detention, told Reuters that her family wanted their children back rather than financial payments.
Similarly, Dantala Tanko expressed his grief over the death of his 25-year-old son, Suleiman, during a visit to his grave.
Survivors have also called for officers implicated in the incident to face appropriate disciplinary measures. They insist that personnel who failed to protect detainees should not continue serving in positions of authority.
In addition, affected families and survivors want authorities to return motorcycles, mobile phones, mining equipment and gold allegedly seized during the arrests.
The government now faces pressure to translate the panel’s recommendations into concrete action. For the affected families, justice must include accountability, promised support and the recovery of their belongings.
The case also highlights the responsibility of security agencies to protect everyone in their custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
