● Panel recommends dismissal, prosecution of implicated officers and ₦1.4bn compensation for victims’ families and survivors
The independent ministerial committee investigating the deaths of suspected artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, has blamed the tragedy on severe overcrowding, extreme heat, dehydration, poor ventilation and failure by officers to provide adequate care for detainees.
Presenting the committee’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, the chairman, Jonathan Kure, said the deaths were preventable and resulted from unlawful detention conditions, inadequate supervision and the failure of personnel to respond to repeated distress warnings.
The committee’s findings followed an investigation into the deaths of people arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State in September.
In its executive summary, the panel stated that the incident was “a preventable custodial tragedy caused by severe overcrowding, unlawful and unsuitable detention conditions, failure of duty of care, disregard of repeated distress warnings, inadequate supervision, and wider systemic deficiencies.”
It ruled out a disease outbreak as the cause of the fatalities, stating that medical and forensic evidence instead pointed to environmental asphyxia — a condition in which the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen — aggravated by heat stress and dehydration.
Detainees Held in Overcrowded Cell
According to details of the report, approximately 50 male detainees were held in a cell measuring about 20 square metres, with inadequate ventilation and poor sanitary facilities.
The facility reportedly lacked a functioning toilet and running water, while access to drinking water and other basic necessities was inadequate.
The committee found that detainees experienced severe breathing difficulties and repeatedly raised the alarm by shouting and banging on the cell door and walls. However, the warnings were not met with timely intervention or adequate emergency assistance.
The findings raised serious questions about the conduct of officers responsible for supervising the detainees and the conditions under which suspects were held.
The panel also found that adults and minors were detained together, despite the need for appropriate safeguards for children in custody.
Operation Conducted Without Headquarters Approval
The committee established that the arrests followed enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
However, the operation was reportedly conducted without an approved operational order or prior authorisation from the NSCDC national headquarters.
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention procedures, supervision of the facility and the response to the emergency.
The committee said its work included interviews with NSCDC leadership, operational personnel, cell guards, medical staff, survivors, bereaved families, community representatives and other witnesses.
It also reviewed arrest and detention registers, communication records, duty rosters, hospital and mortuary records, autopsy findings and burial records.
The panel used the evidence to reconstruct events leading to the deaths and determine possible individual and institutional responsibility.
Panel Recommends Dismissal, Prosecution
Beyond identifying the causes of the deaths, the committee recommended disciplinary and legal action against officers found responsible for the incident.
Among its recommendations was the summary dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC commandant and other personnel whose actions or failures directly contributed to the deaths. It also called for the prosecution of officers implicated in the tragedy.
The panel further recommended administrative sanctions for personnel who failed in their duties but whose actions or omissions were not directly responsible for the fatalities.
It also called for reforms within the corps to address institutional weaknesses, improve supervision and prevent similar incidents in the future.
₦1.4bn Compensation Recommended
The committee recommended a compensation package of approximately ₦1.4bn for bereaved families and survivors.
Under the proposal, each of the 33 bereaved families would receive ₦30m, while each of 41 identified survivors would receive ₦10m.
The proposed package also includes educational support for dependants of deceased victims, medical rehabilitation for survivors, psychological support for affected families and a formal apology from the Federal Government.
The recommendations are intended to provide restitution to affected families and survivors while addressing the consequences of the incident.
Government Orders Further Action
The Federal Government had constituted the 10-member independent investigative committee on September 19, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation.
At the time, the Ministry of Interior also announced the suspension of officers involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tunji-Ojo received the committee’s report on Tuesday and pledged to implement its recommendations. He also directed the immediate suspension of officers accused of cleaning the detention facility in circumstances that raised concerns about possible destruction or alteration of evidence.
The alleged cleaning and alteration of the detention centre, as well as questions surrounding the handling of relevant records, added to concerns about the preservation of evidence and accountability.
The report has intensified calls for justice for the victims and their families, as well as stronger safeguards against unlawful detention and custodial deaths.
Discrepancy in Death Toll
Although initial reports and the investigation’s title referred to 37 deaths, subsequent reports on the committee’s findings stated that the panel authenticated 33 deaths and identified 41 survivors.
The findings place renewed focus on the responsibility of security agencies to ensure that people in their custody are protected from harm, regardless of the allegations against them.