Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a group photograph with members of the independent panel
Federal Government’s independent investigative panel has concluded that the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State were preventable and resulted from severe overcrowding, poor detention conditions and negligence, not a disease outbreak.
Presenting the committee’s report to the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Tuesday in Abuja, the Chairman of the panel, retired Deputy Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, said the tragedy exposed serious failures in custodial management and accountability.
Kure said the investigation established that 33 male detainees died between September 16 and 17, 2026, including 14 minors, correcting earlier reports that put the death toll at 37.
He explained that medical findings showed the victims died from acute respiratory failure caused by environmental asphyxia, while evidence did not support claims that a disease outbreak was responsible.
According to him, the detention cell was overcrowded, poorly ventilated and lacked running water, proper lighting and functional toilet facilities, creating life-threatening conditions.
“The cell has a solid metal door, inadequate airflow, no running water, poor lighting and no functioning toilet.»
“Food and drinking water were either unavailable or grossly inadequate as adults and minors were detained together.»
“Female detainees were temporarily transferred elsewhere because of overcrowding but were subsequently released.»
“Witnesses consistently described conditions of extreme heat, dehydration, congestion and suffocation as detainees were unable to move freely and many collapsed as conditions deteriorated,” Kure said.»
He added that detainees repeatedly cried out for help, banging on cell doors and walls while pleading for water, but their distress calls were ignored by officers on duty.
.“These distress calls were heard by officers assigned to nearby duties,” he said.»
Kure said the conditions amounted to cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, making the deaths both foreseeable and preventable. He disclosed that the committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers involved for offences including murder, criminal negligence, torture and inhuman treatment, while administrative sanctions were also proposed against senior officers whose failures contributed to the incident.
The panel also recommended sweeping reforms within the NSCDC, including restructuring its leadership, improving recruitment, training, supervision and intelligence gathering, as well as investigations by anti-corruption agencies into allegations of extortion and mismanagement of exhibits.
As part of measures to provide justice for victims, the committee recommended a compensation package of N1.4 billion, proposing N30 million for each of the 33 bereaved families and N10 million for each of the 41 survivors, alongside educational, medical and psychological support. It also called for modern detention facilities, installation of CCTV cameras and stronger independent oversight of custodial centres.
Responding, Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the findings would not be ignored, saying the era of setting up committees merely to calm public outrage had ended.
“Those officers that intended to destroy and disrupt evidence must be suspended while internally we will investigate and carry out other disciplinary actions,” he said.»
The minister said the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for necessary legal action, promising comprehensive reforms within the NSCDC.
“For us leadership is not tested when things are right, but response when things are not going right,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo also assured families of the deceased that the Federal Government would pursue justice.
“These are vulnerable people that must be protected and the best gift to give to the deceased is justice which must be done,” he said.»
The deaths of the detainees had sparked nationwide concern over detention conditions and the treatment of suspects in custody, with rights groups demanding accountability. The panel’s report is expected to shape reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in Nigeria’s security and correctional facilities.
