An independent ministerial committee has recommended the summary dismissal and prosecution of several officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) over the deaths of 33 detainees in custody at the corps’ Niger State Command in Minna.
The panel also proposed N1.4 billion in compensation for victims and survivors of the tragedy, describing the deaths as entirely preventable.
Presenting the report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, committee chairman Jonathan Kure said the deaths were caused by severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, heat stress, dehydration and the failure of officers to respond to repeated distress warnings from detainees.
According to the committee, available medical and forensic evidence ruled out a disease outbreak and instead pointed to environmental asphyxia resulting from prolonged confinement in an overcrowded detention cell.
The investigation found that the operation leading to the arrests was carried out without proper authorisation, planning or consultation with relevant mining authorities. It further revealed that 74 detainees, including women and minors, were held overnight, with about 50 men confined in a cell measuring approximately 20 square metres.
The report noted that the detention facility lacked adequate ventilation, running water, proper sanitation and sufficient food supplies, while adults and minors were held together in conditions that violated constitutional and legal safeguards.
The committee established that detainees repeatedly cried for help and water throughout the night, while medical personnel had earlier warned of the dangers posed by the overcrowded conditions. Despite these warnings, officers allegedly failed to decongest the cell or provide emergency assistance.
Investigators confirmed 33 deaths, including 14 minors, and identified 41 survivors. They found no evidence to support claims that chemical substances were sprayed inside the cell before the deaths.
The panel held several officers directly responsible, citing failures in planning, supervision, detention management and emergency response. It recommended criminal prosecution for offences including murder, criminal negligence, torture and inhuman treatment where applicable, as well as investigations into allegations of extortion and mishandling of exhibits.
To address the impact on affected families, the committee proposed compensation of N30 million for each bereaved family and N10 million for each survivor, bringing the total recommended payout to N1.4 billion. It also called for educational support for dependants of the deceased, medical rehabilitation for survivors and psychological assistance for affected families.
The report further recommended reforms within the NSCDC, including the construction of standard detention facilities, installation of CCTV systems, improved custodial oversight and enhanced human rights training for personnel.
Receiving the report, Interior Minister Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the findings would not be ignored.
“Nothing will be swept under the carpet,” the minister said, adding that officers accused of concealing or tampering with evidence should be suspended pending further investigations.
He said the report would be forwarded to the Attorney-General of the Federation for necessary legal action, while pledging that the government would ensure justice for the victims and their families.
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