NHRC Condemns Deaths of 37 Suspected Miners in NSCDC Custody, Begins Probe
By Pan Afric Reporters
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has commenced a preliminary investigation into the deaths of about 37 persons suspected to be artisanal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, according to a media report e-signed by Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, National Human Rights Commission while expressing deep concern over the incident, which followed the arrest of the suspected miners during enforcement operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Ojukwu condemned the reported deaths and commiserated with the families of the deceased as well as the people of Niger State, directing the Commission to commence preliminary investigations to establish the circumstances and cause of the deaths.
The NHRC Executive Secretary also called for an independent forensic autopsy and the preservation of all relevant evidence connected with the incident.
He stressed that investigations already ordered by the Minister of Interior and the NSCDC must be conducted transparently and thoroughly, in accordance with international standards applicable to potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
Ojukwu reminded law enforcement agencies that allegations of illegal mining do not remove the fundamental rights of persons arrested or detained by the authorities.
He maintained that every person in custody is entitled to humane and dignified treatment in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution and applicable national and international human rights instruments.
“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human right in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” the NHRC boss said.
The Commission’s intervention followed reports that the bodies of the suspected miners were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna after their arrest during the enforcement operations.
Ojukwu said establishing the truth surrounding the deaths was essential to ensuring accountability and protecting the rights of citizens in custody.
He therefore urged relevant authorities to preserve evidence that could assist investigators in determining what happened to the deceased and whether any violations of their rights occurred.
The NHRC boss also appealed to youths and residents of Minna to remain calm and refrain from acts of violence while the investigation proceeds.
He assured the community that the Commission would pursue accountability and ensure that appropriate remedies are provided if human rights violations are established.
The Commission’s investigation is expected to complement the inquiries ordered by the Federal Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC into the deaths.
