United Nations Asked To Probe Mass Death Of Miners In NSCDC Custody

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project has called on four United Nations Special Rapporteurs to urgently intervene in the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

SERAP also asked the UN to investigate reports that security forces used lethal force against protesters in Minna following the deaths.

The organisation made the demands in an urgent appeal dated September 18, 2026, signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare. The appeal was addressed to the UN Special Rapporteurs on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; freedom of peaceful assembly and association; freedom of opinion and expression; and the situation of human rights defenders.

Politics Nigeria reports that the 37 detainees were among suspected illegal and artisanal miners arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

They subsequently died in NSCDC custody in Minna on September 17, with the circumstances surrounding the deaths yet to be conclusively established. The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak but later said the cause of death had not been determined and would require medical and laboratory examinations.

The deaths triggered protests in Minna on September 18, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and security forces. International media reported that security personnel deployed tear gas and opened fire, although the precise type of ammunition used was not immediately established.

SERAP said the UN should demand answers from the Nigerian authorities and ensure that the circumstances surrounding both the deaths in custody and the reported use of force against protesters are independently established.

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

It urged the UN rapporteurs to seek detailed information from the Nigerian Government on the causes and circumstances of the deaths, the conditions in which the detainees were held, medical care provided to them, the legal basis for their arrests and detention, and the number and condition of protesters reportedly killed or injured.

SERAP also called for an independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective and transparent investigation conducted by a body separate from any security agency implicated in the alleged violations.

The rights group said all relevant physical, documentary, digital, medical and forensic evidence should be preserved, while families of the deceased and injured should have timely access to information about the investigations.

It further demanded accountability for security personnel reasonably suspected of unlawful killings or excessive use of force, as well as compensation and other appropriate remedies for victims and their families where violations are established.

SERAP said the Nigerian authorities must also protect protesters, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, witnesses and relatives of victims from intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest and reprisals.

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

The call comes amid ongoing government investigations into the deaths. President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation, while the Niger State Government has also constituted a committee of inquiry. The Niger State NSCDC commandant was suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

SERAP said the UN should also seek measures to prevent a recurrence, including improved training, clearer operational rules, command accountability and independent oversight of the NSCDC and other law enforcement agencies.