By Awwal Umar Kontagora A Federal Government Independent Investigative Committee set up by the Ministry of Interior to investiga...
A Federal Government Independent Investigative Committee set up by the Ministry of Interior to investigate the deaths of detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, has confirmed 33 deaths, including 14 minors, and recommended N30 million compensation for each bereaved family.
The committee, chaired by Jonathan Kure, also confirmed that 41 detainees survived the incident, revising earlier reports that 37 people had died.
According to the committee’s findings, the deaths occurred between the night of September 16 and the morning of September 17, 2026, in a cell measuring approximately 20 square metres, where about 50 male detainees were held.
The report identified the cause of death as environmental asphyxia, describing it as acute respiratory failure resulting from severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, heat stress and dehydration.
It further stated that allegations of a disease outbreak and claims that an aerosol substance had been sprayed inside the cell were not supported by the evidence gathered during the investigation.
The committee found that the arrest operation was conducted without approval from the NSCDC National Headquarters, adequate planning or the involvement of relevant mining authorities, despite the fact that the mining sites raided were licensed.
It also reported that signs of distress began around 7 p.m. on September 16, when detainees reportedly banged on the cell doors and shouted for water and assistance.
However, officers on duty allegedly failed to open the cell or summon emergency assistance, according to the findings.
The report indicted several officers for alleged gross leadership failure, negligence and unlawful detention. It also raised concerns over the detention of minors alongside adults and the holding of suspects beyond the legally permitted period.
Beyond individual responsibility, the committee identified systemic shortcomings within the NSCDC, including inadequate detention facilities, the absence of closed-circuit television (CCTV) surveillance, weak oversight, poor documentation and insufficient funding.
Recommendations
Among its major recommendations, the committee called for the summary dismissal and prosecution of officers found principally responsible for offences including murder, criminal negligence and torture.
It also recommended that anti-corruption agencies investigate allegations of extortion linked to the incident.
The committee further called for a comprehensive overhaul and restructuring of the NSCDC leadership, alongside the construction of standard detention facilities and the installation of CCTV systems across all commands.
On compensation, it recommended N30 million for each of the 33 bereaved families and N10 million for each of the 41 survivors, bringing the proposed total compensation to N1.4 billion.
Other recommendations include educational support for the dependants of the deceased, medical rehabilitation for survivors, psychological support for affected individuals and a formal apology from the Federal Government.
The committee concluded that the deaths were entirely preventable and resulted from disregard for detention standards and failures of leadership.
The report’s recommendations are expected to inform decisions on accountability, institutional reforms and support for the families of the deceased and the surviving detainees.
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