An independent investigative committee set up by the federal government has found that the 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State died from asphyxiation.
The committee Chairman and Former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, disclosed the finding on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
Asphyxiation refers to a condition in which the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, leading to suffocation and death.
The finding marks a significant development in the investigation into the deaths, which had raised public concern and prompted the federal government to order a probe.
The incident
The deaths occurred on 17 September 2026, after the victims were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
The 37 miners were taken into NSCDC custody following the operation. They later died while still in custody.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths prompted the federal government to set up an independent investigative committee to establish what led to the loss of 37 lives and determine whether there was negligence, abuse or other failings by officials involved.
Panel report
While presenting the report, Mr Kure said the committee found that asphyxiation was the cause of death of the 37 suspected miners.
He added that the deaths were avoidable as the victims, including 14 minors, were held in inhuman conditions.
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The committee also recommended summary dismissal of the state commandant of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and all other officers who were directly involved in the detention and eventual death of the miners.
Mr Tunji-Ojo, who received the report, promised to implement the recommendations of the committee in order to ensure justice for all affected persons.
He also directed the commandant of the Corps to immediately suspend all officers who cleaned up the detention centre to destroy evidence.
