Intervene over 37 miners’ deaths in NSCDC custody, SERAP tells UN

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has urged four United Nations Special Rapporteurs to urgently intervene over the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna, the state capital.

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SERAP made the call in an urgent appeal dated Friday, September 18, 2026, and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.

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The organisation said the 37 persons were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16 during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal and artisanal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State and subsequently detained in Minna.

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The appeal read, “The UN should demand answers from the Nigerian authorities and ensure that the truth about the deaths of the 37 persons in NSCDC custody and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna is established.

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“Every death or serious injury in police custody ought to be promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated, and perpetrators identified and brought to justice. Any loss of life that results from the excessive use of force without strict compliance with the international human rights standards, including necessity and proportionality is an arbitrary deprivation of life and therefore illegal.

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The appeal was addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association; Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression; and Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders.

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“It is important to establish responsibility, ensure accountability and effective remedies to victims and their families.

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“Thirty-seven people went into NSCDC custody. They came out dead. Nigerians deserve to know what happened,” SERAP said.

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The organisation further said, “Following the deaths, protesters took to the streets of Minna. Security forces reportedly deployed tear gas and opened fire as demonstrations continued. There are reports that security forces responded with live ammunition, while other reporting said the precise type of ammunition used was not immediately established.

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“The answer to deaths in custody cannot be more deaths on the streets.”

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Among other demands, SERAP urged the UN special rapporteurs to communicate with the Nigerian Government over the reported deaths and the reported killing and shooting of protesters in Minna.

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It also asked them to request information on the circumstances and causes of the deaths, the treatment and conditions of detention, the legal basis for the arrests and detention, and the number and status of protesters killed or injured.

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The organisation called for an independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective and transparent investigation into the deaths in custody and the reported use of lethal force against protesters.

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It further called for accountability and effective remedies for victims and their families, including compensation and other forms of reparation where violations are established.

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The organisation also called for measures to prevent a recurrence, including appropriate training, operational rules, command accountability and independent oversight of the NSCDC and other law enforcement agencies.

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The development came hours after a survivor alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside an overcrowded cell shortly before some detainees began collapsing.n

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The survivor said 17 people were initially held in the cell before more detainees were brought in and that the detainees complained about the heat and cramped conditions.

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Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed that 37 detainees died in NSCDC custody and ordered an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Federal Government has also ordered a full investigation and suspended the NSCDC commandant in the state pending the outcome of the probe.

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The NSCDC has said the cause of death has not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations are required.

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