A federal government investigative panel has concluded that the 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, died from asphyxiation.
Chairman of the 10-member independent committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed the finding on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
Kure said the committee conducted extensive investigations, including visits to the detention facility, autopsies, forensic examinations and interviews with witnesses, survivors, relatives of the deceased and NSCDC personnel.
The panel was constituted by the Federal Government on September 19 following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths.
The incident occurred after the NSCDC announced the arrest of suspected illegal miners during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 in areas around the Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Initial reports from the Niger State NSCDC Command suggested that several detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak inside the facility. However, the panel’s findings determined that oxygen deprivation was the cause of death.
Kure noted that the investigation also uncovered institutional shortcomings and instances of overzealous conduct by some personnel, highlighting the need for improved professionalism and adherence to operational standards.
Following the incident, the Federal Government suspended the Niger State commandant and 21 NSCDC officers while investigations were ongoing.
The report is expected to guide further government action regarding accountability and reforms within custodial operations.
