Amnesty International has called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners, including reportedly several minors, while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The victims were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations at mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16, 2026. The deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17. The NSCDC said the victims died following a suspected disease outbreak, while the actual cause of death is yet to be established through medical examination.
In its reaction, Amnesty International said the circumstances surrounding the arrests, detention and deaths must be thoroughly established, stressing that the loss of lives in state custody could not be left without accountability.
The human rights organisation urged the Nigerian authorities to ensure that any investigation is independent, impartial, transparent and effective, particularly given reports that some of those detained were very young.
Amnesty said the authorities must establish how detention lasting between one and two days resulted in a mass loss of life and determine the conditions under which the detainees were held.
It further called for anyone found responsible for wrongdoing to face appropriate legal proceedings rather than merely administrative or internal disciplinary measures.
The organisation also demanded that the families of the deceased be given access to justice, information and effective remedies, while urging authorities to establish the identities of the victims and clarify the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The NSCDC has said the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the cause of death. The Corps has also constituted an investigative team, while the police have commenced a separate investigation into the incident.
The incident has generated public concern in Minna, with reports raising questions about the conditions in which the detainees were held. However, claims that overcrowding or inadequate ventilation caused the deaths remain subject to investigation and medical evidence.
Amnesty maintained that the authorities have a responsibility to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for any violations that may have contributed to the tragedy.
