Bukola Afeni
The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities in Nigeria (FNMHC) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the Co-Chairs of the FNMHC, Dr. Temitope Olaifa and Alhaji Abubakar Wushishi, following the deaths of the detainees who were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal miners.
The victims were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna and detained at an NSCDC facility. Their deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17.
The group said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a comprehensive investigation capable of determining what happened from the time of the arrests to the discovery of the bodies.
It also welcomed the NSCDC national headquarters’ decision to constitute an investigative team after the Corps acknowledged that the cause of death had not been established. The Niger State Police Command has also commenced an investigation into the incident.
The FNMHC further welcomed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The group, however, called for investigations into allegations that some of the deceased were minors, as well as claims by relatives that they were prevented from providing food to detainees and that officials demanded N100,000 for the release of each detainee.
It also called for an investigation into the reported use of force against protesters who took to the streets in Minna following the deaths, including allegations that live ammunition was used.
The federation said suspected illegal miners remained entitled to the protection of the law, stressing that arrest and detention did not remove the state’s obligation to protect life and human dignity.
It called for the preservation of evidence, protection of witnesses and access to justice for the families of the deceased, as well as appropriate remedies where violations are established.
The group also acknowledged the three-day mourning period declared by the Niger State Government but said the investigation must establish how 37 people died in custody and identify those responsible where wrongdoing is found.
