Panel Confirms Suffocation as Cause of Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

An independent Federal Government investigative panel has found that 37 suspected illegal miners died from suffocation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The committee’s chairman, Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, disclosed the finding on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

The deaths occurred on September 17, 2026, at the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna. The victims were among people arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state.

The panel’s finding marks a significant development in the investigation ordered after the deaths raised concerns about the treatment and safety of people held in government custody.

President Bola Tinubu had directed a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, while the Ministry of Interior established an independent committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The committee was tasked with examining the arrests, detention conditions, medical care provided to the suspects and the actions of officers involved. Its mandate also included determining whether negligence, misconduct or breaches of duty contributed to the incident.

Following the deaths, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and other officers linked to the incident were suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

The deaths had also triggered public concern and unrest in Minna, prompting the Niger State Government to take security measures.

Although the panel has identified suffocation as the cause of death, questions surrounding the conditions in which the victims were detained and whether any officers or officials should face further disciplinary or legal action remain important aspects of the investigation.

The findings are expected to increase pressure on the relevant authorities to explain how 37 people died while in the custody of a federal security agency and what measures will be taken to prevent a recurrence.

The case has renewed attention on the responsibility of security agencies to protect the lives and dignity of detainees, regardless of the allegations that led to their arrest.

The suspected illegal miners were entitled to humane treatment while in custody, and the investigation is expected to establish accountability where evidence supports it.

The Federal Government had said the inquiry would identify those responsible for any wrongdoing and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.

The presentation of the report represents a major step in establishing the circumstances of the deaths, although any criminal responsibility must be determined through the appropriate legal process.

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