37 miners’ deaths in NSCDC custody were caused by asphyxiation, a government panel found, recommending ₦1.4bn in compensation and sweeping reforms

A Federal Government investigative committee chaired by retired Department of State Services (DSS) Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure has found that 37 suspected illegal miners died from asphyxiation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, on 17 September 2026, describing the deaths as avoidable and recommending ₦1.4 billion in compensation for affected families and survivors.

Kure presented the committee’s findings to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday, 27 October, alongside recommendations for the dismissal of officers directly implicated in the incident and far-reaching reforms within the corps.

The report marks a significant development in a case that has raised serious questions about detention conditions, operational oversight and the responsibility of security agencies to safeguard people in their custody.

The victims, including 14 minors, were among dozens of people arrested during anti-illegal mining operations conducted by the NSCDC in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on 15 and 16 September.

According to earlier reports by Channels Television and TheCable, the arrests were followed by the discovery of the detainees’ bodies at the NSCDC Niger State Command facility in Minna in the early hours of 17 September.

The corps initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak as a possible explanation for the deaths, pending medical examinations. 

The investigative committee’s findings have now identified asphyxiation as the cause of death, bringing renewed attention to the conditions in which the detainees were held and the adequacy of supervision at the facility.

The committee recommended a compensation package of ₦1.4 billion for the families of 33 deceased victims and survivors affected by the incident.

The proposed payments are intended to provide restitution to those who lost relatives and those who survived the detention conditions.

The panel also called for the summary dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC commandant and other officers whose conduct was directly linked to the detention of the miners and the circumstances that led to the fatalities.

The recommendations extend beyond individual disciplinary measures. The committee called for institutional reforms within the corps to strengthen leadership, improve operational procedures and reduce the risk of similar incidents occurring in the future.

The precise allocation of the proposed compensation and the implementation timetable will be important considerations as the Federal Government considers the report.

The recommendations themselves do not establish that the payments have already been made or that the proposed dismissals have been completed.

Receiving the report, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo pledged that the Federal Government would implement the committee’s recommendations to secure justice for the affected families and survivors.

Tunji-Ojo also directed the immediate suspension of officers alleged to have cleaned the detention centre in circumstances that raised concerns about the possible destruction of evidence.

The directive underscores the importance of preserving records and physical evidence when investigating deaths in state custody.

Any allegation of evidence tampering must, however, be established through appropriate investigative and disciplinary procedures.

The Federal Government had previously announced an independent investigation following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. On 19 September, the government said the committee would examine the arrests, detention arrangements, causes of death and possible responsibility or negligence among personnel.

It also ordered the suspension of officers involved pending the investigation. 

The deaths prompted public concern over the treatment of detainees and the conditions inside the NSCDC facility.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed the fatalities shortly after the incident and called for calm while investigations were under way.

Initial reports also raised concerns about overcrowding, with the governor stating that 67 people had been detained before 37 died. 

The scale of the fatalities has placed particular emphasis on the duty of security agencies to ensure that detention facilities provide adequate ventilation, safe conditions and appropriate supervision.

The inclusion of 14 minors among the deceased adds another serious dimension to the incident, highlighting concerns about the treatment of children and young people detained during enforcement operations.

While combating illegal mining remains a legitimate law enforcement objective, suspected offences do not remove the obligation of authorities to protect detainees from preventable harm.

Accountability must extend to both the circumstances of detention and the decisions made by personnel responsible for those held in custody.

The committee’s recommendations seek to address both the immediate consequences of the tragedy and the institutional weaknesses that may have contributed to it.

Improved operational standards, clearer lines of command, adequate detention facilities and effective monitoring could help reduce the likelihood of similar incidents.

Equally important will be transparent investigations, appropriate disciplinary action and support for families and survivors.

The proposed compensation represents a significant financial commitment, but restitution alone cannot resolve the wider concerns raised by the deaths.

Meaningful reform will depend on whether the government follows through on the committee’s recommendations and ensures that failures identified in the report lead to practical changes.

For the families who lost loved ones, the next stage will be especially consequential.

The government’s response will determine whether the investigation results in tangible accountability, meaningful assistance and stronger safeguards for people detained by security agencies.

The findings therefore represent an important step towards establishing what happened in Minna. The lasting measure of progress, however, will be whether the proposed reforms prevent another avoidable loss of life in state custody.