Niger miners’ deaths: Panel recommends prosecution of officers, N1.4bn compensation

The Federal Government’s independent investigative committee probing the deaths of detainees in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps custody in Niger State has called for prosecution of officers found responsible, in addition to paying N1.4bn in compensation to bereaved families and survivors. The panel also recommended the dismissal of officers primarily responsible for the incident, which occurred between September 16 and 17, 2026.

The committee’s chairman, Jonathan Kure, presented the findings to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Tuesday, stating the incident was a "preventable custodial tragedy." Severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, dehydration, and failure to respond to repeated distress calls from detainees were cited as contributing factors.

Out of the 33 authenticated deaths, 14 were minors. The committee found that the detention conditions and operations were unlawful, unsuitable, and violated constitutional safeguards, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, and the Child Rights Act.