The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has condemned the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following the tragic deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners at a detention facility in Minna, Niger State. This condemnation was made during an emergency press conference held in Abuja on October 28, 2026, in response to a federal government panel's report on the incident.

The panel, established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on September 19, 2026, investigated the circumstances surrounding the miners' deaths. According to the NCSCN, the report revealed that the detainees succumbed to suffocation due to a lack of adequate ventilation in the facility, described by the council as "deplorable, unhealthy, inhumane, severely overcrowded and grossly unfit for human habitation."

NCSCN's Executive Director, Amb. Blessing A. Akinlosotu, expressed grave concerns over the findings and called for the immediate dismissal and prosecution of all NSCDC officers implicated in the incident. While the council acknowledged the suspension of 21 officers linked to the tragedy, it insisted that this measure was insufficient given the severity of the situation.

The council praised the thorough investigation conducted by the independent panel, chaired by Jonathan Kure, a former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services. However, it emphasized that the accountability measures taken so far do not adequately address the systemic issues within the NSCDC.

In addition to demanding accountability for the deaths, the NCSCN highlighted the need for urgent reforms in Nigeria's detention facilities. The group linked the tragedy to broader systemic underfunding of security agencies, arguing that the NSCDC is tasked with critical responsibilities, including protecting solid minerals and managing disasters, yet operates under dangerously inadequate conditions.

As part of its recommendations, the NCSCN has called for the establishment of a special intervention fund to enhance detention facilities across Nigeria. This fund would be aimed at improving infrastructure, procuring modern vehicles and surveillance equipment, and providing training for personnel on custodial management and human rights.

Furthermore, the council urged the federal government to consider declaring a national emergency concerning detention and correctional facilities, stressing that prolonged and unlawful detention poses a serious threat to the constitutional rights of Nigerians.

While the NCSCN has been vocal in its criticism of the NSCDC, the National Association of Nigerian Youth in Development (NANYD) has expressed support for the NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi. NANYD has criticized opposition parties and social media commentators for allegedly politicizing the miners' deaths to score points against the Corps, emphasizing the need for unity in addressing the issue.

The NCSCN's call for reforms and accountability comes at a critical time as Nigeria grapples with the challenges of ensuring humane treatment within its detention facilities. The organization’s stance underscores the urgent need for systemic change to prevent further tragedies in the future.