Group backs probe into 37 miners’ deaths in Niger

The Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability has backed the Federal Government’s investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State, saying, “anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law.”

The National Coordinator of the coalition, Bilal Galadima, in a statement signed and released on Sunday, said the call for accountability should be guided by the “findings of the ongoing investigation rather than premature conclusions.”

The deaths occurred after dozens of people suspected of illegal mining were arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps during operations in Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The incident has triggered public outrage, protests and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Federal Government has since suspended officers linked to the incident and constituted a 10-member independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.

The NSCDC said more than 50 suspected illegal miners were arrested during the operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, while profiling and documentation of the suspects were ongoing when the deaths occurred.

The cause of death has not been conclusively established. The bodies were taken for medical examination and autopsies, while different accounts have emerged over the circumstances of the deaths, including allegations concerning overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility.

Reacting to calls for the removal of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, the coalition said attention should remain on establishing what happened and holding those responsible to account.

Galadima said, “We sincerely sympathise with the families affected in the unfortunate incident where 37 persons suspected of illegal mining lost their lives while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State.”

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He added that, “at this sober moment,” stakeholders should allow the investigations already ordered by the Federal Government to establish the facts of the case.”

According to the coalition, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant had indicated that he did not inform the Commandant-General about the arrest of the alleged illegal miners.

The group said the development underscored the need for investigators to establish how the operation was conducted, who had responsibility for the detainees and whether established procedures were followed.

It stated, “It is therefore illogical to demand the sack of the Commandant-General for an operational lapse at a State Command that was not reported to him.”

The coalition, however, said its position should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield anyone found responsible. “Instead of this distraction, we call on Dantani and all well-meaning Nigerians to allow the rule of law to take its full course as we await the outcome of the investigations into this unfortunate incident,” it said.

The group also urged government agencies and other stakeholders to remain calm while the probe committee carries out its assignment. “Whoever is found culpable should face the full wrath of the law,” the coalition said.

The deaths have also prompted wider calls for stronger safeguards for people held in security custody. The National Human Rights Commission has called for an independent forensic autopsy and preservation of evidence, while stressing that suspects retain their constitutional rights to life and dignity while in custody.

The incident has further drawn attention to the government’s campaign against illegal mining, which authorities have linked to environmental degradation and, in some parts of the country, insecurity and illicit financial networks. The Niger State Government has also announced measures following the deaths, while investigations continue.

The Federal Government has said the probe will determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.