An Independent Investigative Committee established by the Federal Government has concluded that 37 miners died from asphyxiation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The findings were presented by the committee's chairman, Jonathan Kure, during a meeting with the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on Tuesday.

The tragic incident occurred on September 17, 2026, when the miners, arrested during operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas, were detained under deplorable conditions. Kure reported that among the deceased, 14 were minors, highlighting the severity of the situation.

The committee's report emphasized that the deaths were entirely avoidable, attributing them to the inhumane treatment and conditions the victims endured while in custody. In response to the findings, the panel recommended that a total of 1.4 billion naira be compensated to the families of the victims and the 44 survivors of the incident.

In light of the report, the committee has called for the immediate dismissal of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, along with other officers directly involved in the detention process that led to the miners' deaths. The recommendations also include a broader call for institutional reforms within the NSCDC to enhance its leadership and operational standards.

Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed his commitment to implementing the committee's recommendations to ensure justice for the affected families. He also ordered the suspension of all officers who were involved in cleaning the detention center, a move aimed at preventing the destruction of evidence related to the investigation.

This development marks a significant step in addressing the unfortunate deaths of the miners and highlights the urgent need for reform within the NSCDC to prevent such incidents in the future. The investigation continues to draw attention to the broader issues surrounding illegal mining operations and the treatment of detainees in Nigeria.