Horror in Custody: Probe Launched as FG Suspends Officers Over 37 Miners' Deaths

The federal government of Nigeria has taken decisive action following the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. On Saturday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the immediate suspension of 20 NSCDC officers. This suspension will remain in effect pending the conclusion of an independent investigation into the tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday. The President, Bola Tinubu, had previously directed a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the deaths. The suspended officers include personnel from various duties, such as station guard, arresting, investigation, legal, and custodial roles within the NSCDC facility. Notable individuals among the suspended include Officer in Charge of Station Guard SC Usman Ndamaka, Station Guard ASCI Hassan Mohammed, Arresting Officer CSC Oluwadare Sunday, and Head of Intelligence and Investigation DCC Philip Ajayi, among others.

In parallel, Minister Tunji-Ojo constituted a 10-member independent committee tasked with thoroughly investigating the deaths. Chaired by retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, with Isa Chiroma, former Director General of the Nigerian Law School, serving as secretary, the committee's mandate is extensive. It is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrests, detention, and the precise cause and circumstances of their deaths. Furthermore, the committee will determine responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, recommending appropriate actions, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent any recurrence. The Minister emphasized the government's obligation to provide an account to the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public, directing full cooperation from the NSCDC leadership and warning against any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation.

Adding to the federal efforts, the Niger State Government also established its own committee of inquiry to ascertain the cause of death of the 37 miners. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced that forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted on the victims. The state committee will be chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, with Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji as secretary. Governor Bago also revealed that the NSCDC Commandant-General had suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, along with his team, to facilitate a proper investigation. Other agencies, including the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, and the NSCDC, have also initiated separate probes. Expressing condolences to the victims' families, Governor Bago pledged that his government would not tolerate injustice and would ensure a logical conclusion to the investigation. He also ordered the closure of all illegal mining activities around the M I Wushishi mining site, warning of prosecution for violators and inviting experts from Abuja to analyze the site.

Amnesty International has voiced strong concerns regarding the incident. Its Country Director, Isah Sanusi, described the deaths as indicative of a “reckless disregard for due process and international standards,” attributing the recurring nature of such incidents to impunity rather than a lack of awareness. Sanusi recalled past occurrences, such as the deaths of detainees, including minors, at Giwa Barracks in Maiduguri around 2014. He challenged the label of “suspected illegal miners,” suggesting “artisanal miners” as a less prejudicial and denigrating term, especially since the deceased cannot defend themselves. Amnesty International's investigation reportedly found severe overcrowding at the detention facility in Minna, Niger State, where 67 detainees were held in a cell designed for no more than 10 people, exacerbated by the extreme heat between Tuesday the 15th and Wednesday the 16th. Sanusi stressed the need for families of the deceased to be involved, supported in accessing justice, and provided with effective remedies, including counseling. He urged the Nigerian government and security agencies to ensure a thorough, independent, and fully resourced investigation that extends beyond internal administrative sanctions, equipped with adequate materials, expertise, and resources to uncover the truth and prevent future tragedies.