More than 30 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, with eyewitnesses alleging they were severely beaten before their deaths.
The suspects were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16. The deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17.
Witnesses who spoke to SaharaReporters claimed the detainees were subjected to physical assault with heavy sticks and iron rods while in custody. One source, identified as Ibrahim Adamu, said more than 37 people had died. “They were beaten to death,” he stated, adding that the law requires suspects to be prosecuted rather than killed. Adamu said he personally saw corpses brought outside the facility.
A relative of one of the deceased said he went to the station on Thursday to secure his brother’s release and was told to bring N500,000. He claimed officers began beating the detainees with sticks and iron in his presence. “Till now, my brother’s dead body is still with the civil defence,” he said.
Witnesses further alleged that families were not immediately informed and that officers appeared intent on disposing of the bodies without notification. Relatives who came to inquire about detainees discovered the corpses and raised the alarm, prompting police and other security agencies to intervene. At the time of the interviews, the bodies remained at the facility, according to the sources.
The NSCDC has confirmed that several suspected illegal miners died in its custody. It said the remains have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the cause of death.
In a statement signed by its National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi, the Corps said Commandant General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. The team is to examine the condition of the suspects at arrest, the period spent in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided, and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC initially indicated the detainees were found dead following a suspected disease outbreak. Its national headquarters later clarified that any claim linking the deaths to a particular disease had not been medically or scientifically established and cautioned against premature attribution pending laboratory confirmation.
The Corps said it is working with health authorities and sister security agencies, and directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in its custody be prioritised. It expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and stated that while it remains committed to combating illegal mining, it is also committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody.
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