By Usman Usman Garba
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 Nigerians who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The victims were reportedly arrested alongside 67 others on September 15 and 16, 2026, over alleged illegal mining activities.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, condemned the deaths and expressed condolences to the families and communities affected.
The organisation said that while the NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak as the cause of the deaths, the actual cause remained unclear amid concerns over overcrowding, exposure to hazardous substances and allegations of mistreatment.
CHRICED also said survivors and families had reported poor detention conditions, extortion and abuse, stressing that the allegations should be thoroughly investigated.
The organisation maintained that allegations of illegal mining could not justify overcrowding, degrading detention conditions, abuse or loss of life.
It called for answers on how the individuals were arrested, why they were detained under such conditions, who authorised their detention, how long they were meant to remain in custody and whether a court order permitted their continued detention beyond what the law stipulates.
CHRICED acknowledged the Federal Government’s suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers, as well as the establishment of an independent investigative committee.
However, the organisation stressed that suspension alone was not accountability and should not become a substitute for justice.
It urged the investigative committee to examine the entire chain of events, including the arrests, detention conditions, supervision, medical care, complaints and emergency response.
CHRICED further called for anyone found responsible for criminal conduct, negligence or wrongdoing to face appropriate legal consequences, regardless of rank or position.
The organisation also called on the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the investigation was genuinely independent and adequately resourced, with the involvement of security experts, medical and legal professionals and civil society representatives.
It urged authorities to grant investigators access to detention records, medical information, witnesses and other relevant evidence, and to publish the findings and implement the recommendations.
CHRICED also called for support and redress for the families of the deceased and survivors, as well as protection for families, witnesses and whistleblowers against intimidation or retaliation.
The organisation further urged the government to conduct an urgent nationwide audit of NSCDC and other security agencies’ detention facilities, focusing on overcrowding, sanitation, ventilation, food, water, medical care and emergency response.
It also called for stronger independent monitoring of detention facilities and measures to address the socioeconomic conditions that push vulnerable Nigerians into artisanal and illegal mining.
CHRICED said the NSCDC’s mandate to protect lives and property carries a corresponding responsibility to respect and protect the dignity of every person encountered in the course of its operations.
The organisation urged the government to ensure that the deaths did not become another unresolved case of institutional failure and called for accountability based on the findings of the investigation.