How 37 miners died inside NSCDC Niger custody — Survivors recount ordeal

The Federal Government of Nigeria has reassured that individuals held responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners under the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State will not be spared from accountability. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed this assurance in a statement on Friday, while extending condolences to the Niger State Government, Wushishi community, and the families of the deceased.

The suspected illegal miners were apprehended during enforcement operations targeting mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Idris emphasized that a comprehensive, transparent, and impartial investigation was necessary, asserting that the government's duty was to ascertain the facts prior to determining culpability.

He stated, "There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served."

The Minister also noted that the Federal Government took the protection of Nigerians' lives, dignity, and fundamental rights seriously. Immediate actions were taken following the suspension of the NSCDC state commander, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

Idris further stated, "The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter. The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings."

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has also called for accountability regarding the deaths, demanding that anyone found responsible through action, abuse, or negligence be held fully accountable. He stressed the importance of the investigation being independent, thorough, and transparent. Governor Umar Bago of Niger State confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died while in NSCDC custody, with forensic, medical, and autopsy examinations ongoing to determine the cause of death.

The NSCDC has also set up an investigative team to examine the conditions in which the suspects were arrested, the duration of their detention, detention conditions, and the medical care they received. As of now, the cause of the deaths remains unknown.