NUJ demands independent probe into deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The union described the incident as a matter of grave public concern, insisting that the authorities must establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether negligence, abuse, misconduct or breaches of detention procedures contributed to the incident.

In a press statement dated September 19, 2026, and signed by its National President, Alhassan Yahya Abdullahi, the NUJ said the state had a responsibility to ensure the safety and humane treatment of anyone held in government custody.

“When citizens are taken into government custody, the state assumes a responsibility for their safety and humane treatment. Any death in custody therefore demands clear answers, credible investigation and accountability where wrongdoing is established,” the union stated.

The NUJ commiserated with the families, relatives and communities of the deceased and urged them, alongside the wider public, to remain calm while the facts surrounding the incident are established.

It welcomed the decisions by the Federal Government and Niger State Government to investigate the deaths, the reported suspension of the state NSCDC commandant and President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a full and transparent probe.

However, the union stressed that the credibility of the investigation would depend on its independence, impartiality, transparency and freedom from interference.

The NUJ said the probe must establish the circumstances surrounding the victims’ arrest, transfer and detention, the number of persons held at the facility, and the conditions under which they were detained.

It also called for an examination of the adequacy of ventilation, sanitation, food, water and other basic necessities, as well as the medical condition of the detainees and the assistance available to them.

The union further urged the authorities to determine the precise causes and manner of death through scientifically established findings, including appropriate medical, forensic and autopsy examinations in line with the law and professional standards.

It said investigators should also establish whether overcrowding, negligence, abuse, misconduct or breaches of detention procedures occurred, and whether the actions or omissions of any individual or institution contributed to the deaths.

The NUJ called for the identities of the deceased and relevant findings to be properly documented and communicated to their families with dignity and sensitivity.

It also urged the authorities to protect survivors, witnesses and bereaved families from intimidation, harassment or retaliation, adding that anyone found culpable should be held accountable in accordance with due process and the law.

While acknowledging the responsibility of government and security agencies to tackle illegal mining and protect the country’s natural resources, the union maintained that enforcement must remain within the bounds of the Constitution, the rule of law and respect for fundamental rights.

“Being suspected of illegal mining or any other offence does not remove a person’s right to humane treatment,” it said.

The union emphasised that law enforcement and accountability were not conflicting principles, noting that security agencies could enforce the law while respecting the rights and dignity of persons in their custody.

It warned that deaths in government custody must not be treated as an administrative afterthought, but must lead to clear answers, accountability where wrongdoing is established and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The NUJ therefore urged the Federal Government, Niger State Government, NSCDC and relevant judicial, medical, security and human-rights institutions to ensure that the investigation is concluded expeditiously and independently, with its findings made public.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to protecting human life, promoting transparency and accountability in public institutions, upholding the rule of law and defending the right of every person in custody to humane treatment.