The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has pledged to ensure accountability over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in its custody in Minna, Niger State, saying no personnel found culpable will be protected.
NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi gave the assurance on Thursday during a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, as well as the families of the deceased and a survivor’s family.
According to the Corps, Audi said justice and transparency would guide its response to the incident.
“The CG strongly condoled with the families and gave a firm assurance that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable, emphasising that justice and transparency will take precedence,” NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said in a statement.
The visit coincided with the third- and seventh-day prayers for the deceased, which Audi said were significant for praying for the repose of the victims’ souls and supporting their bereaved families.
Audi also disclosed that the Federal Government had constituted an independent investigative committee following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The 10-member committee, inaugurated by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Tuesday, is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, while former Nigerian Law School Director-General Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary.
Audi said the NSCDC was cooperating fully with the investigation and that relevant personnel had been placed in protective custody to make them available to investigators.
The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during NSCDC operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said 67 people were detained, with 37 subsequently dying in custody.
The exact cause of the deaths has not been established.
The incident has generated public concern after survivors described overcrowding and difficulty breathing inside the detention facility.
The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak but later said the cause had yet to be determined and would require medical and laboratory confirmation.
The independent investigative committee has commenced work, with its medical team examining the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths. The panel is also expected to interview survivors, suspects and other people with relevant information.
Several NSCDC personnel have been suspended or placed in custody pending the outcome of investigations.
The Emir of Minna, speaking on behalf of the traditional institution and affected families, thanked Audi for visiting the community and commended the Corps for cooperating with the Presidential investigative committee.
The NSCDC chief’s pledge comes as investigators work to establish what happened inside the detention facility and determine whether any personnel or other parties should be held responsible.
