A Federal Government investigative committee has found that 37 persons who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State died from asphyxiation.
The committee’s chairman and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
Kure said the committee recommended ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the families of 33 victims and 44 survivors.
He described the deaths as avoidable, stating that the victims, including 14 minors, had been held in inhuman conditions.
Panel Recommends Dismissal Of NSCDC Officers
The committee recommended the summary dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers directly involved in the detention of the victims and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
It also called for institutional reforms within the corps to strengthen leadership and prevent similar incidents.
Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo pledged that the Federal Government would implement the committee’s recommendations to ensure justice for those affected.
The minister also directed the NSCDC commandant to immediately suspend officers who allegedly cleaned up the detention centre to destroy evidence.
Victims Died In NSCDC Custody In Minna
The findings mark a significant development in the investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died on September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna.
According to the report, the victims were among dozens of people arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
The committee’s findings, compensation recommendations and proposed disciplinary measures are expected to shape the government’s response to the incident.
The Federal Government has pledged to act on the recommendations as it seeks accountability for the deaths and justice for affected families and survivors.
