The Federation of Nigerian Mining Host Communities in Nigeria (FNMHC) has called for an independent, transparent and comprehensive investigation into the deaths of 37 persons reportedly arrested for suspected illegal mining and detained in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The group, in a statement signed by its Co-Chairs, Dr. Temitope Olaifa and Alhaji Abubakar Wushishi, said the victims were arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna during enforcement operations against suspected illegal miners.
According to the statement, the detainees were taken to an NSCDC facility, where their deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17.
The federation expressed concern over the incident, particularly the initial attribution of the deaths by the NSCDC to a suspected disease outbreak before investigations had established the actual cause.
It, however, acknowledged the subsequent position of the NSCDC national headquarters that the cause of death had not been established and its decision to constitute an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The group also noted that the Niger State Police Command had commenced an investigation, while commending the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of investigations.
The federation said the death of 37 people within two days while in state custody required more than internal inquiries.
“An incident in which 37 people lose their lives within two days in state custody demands an investigation that is independent, transparent, comprehensive, and capable of establishing individual and institutional responsibility,” it said.
The mining communities also raised concerns over reports that some of the deceased were minors, as well as allegations by relatives that they were prevented from providing food to detainees and that officials demanded N100,000 for the release of each detainee.
It said the allegations should be investigated independently, describing them as serious issues concerning the treatment of detainees, alleged extortion and the exercise of custodial authority.
The federation further expressed concern over reports of the use of force by security personnel during protests in Minna following the deaths, including allegations that live ammunition was used against protesters.
It stressed that the right to peaceful protest was constitutionally protected and called for an independent investigation into the security response.
The group demanded a full forensic determination of the cause and manner of the deaths, insisting that authorities must preserve and examine evidence from the time of the victims’ arrest through their detention and the discovery of their bodies.
It also called for accountability at every level where wrongdoing is established, saying the suspension of the NSCDC commandant should be regarded only as an initial step.
The FNMHC further demanded investigations into allegations of extortion and denial of basic necessities to detainees, as well as an independent inquiry into the deployment and use of force against protesters.
It urged the authorities to ensure that the families of the deceased receive clear information about what happened to their relatives and have access to relevant investigative findings and appropriate remedies where violations are established.
The federation also called for protection of witnesses, relatives, surviving detainees and community members who may provide information to investigators.
While acknowledging the three-day mourning period declared by the Niger State Government and other steps announced by federal and state authorities, the group said mourning should not replace accountability.
“Mourning cannot substitute for accountability,” it said, insisting that the investigation must establish how the 37 people died in state custody and identify those responsible where wrongdoing is found.
The federation urged the Federal Government, Niger State Government, NSCDC, Nigeria Police Force and other relevant authorities to conduct the investigation with independence, transparency and urgency.
It added that the families of the deceased, affected mining communities and the Nigerian public deserved to know the truth about the incident.
