BREAKING: Panel Reveals How 37 Miners Died in NSCDC Custody

An Independent Investigative Committee probing the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has revealed its findings.

According to the report of the investigation, the victims died from asphyxiation.

The committee chairman and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

Recall that 37 detainees died on September 17 while being held at the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna.

The victims were among dozens of suspects arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.

Asphyxiation occurs when the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen, potentially resulting in unconsciousness and death.

The committee’s findings come amid growing concerns over the conditions in which the miners were detained, particularly allegations of overcrowding, excessive heat and the failure of an officer on duty to open their cell despite hearing them scream for help.

Recently, Assistant Superintendent of Corps Usman Isah Ndamaka, the officer responsible for managing the detention facility at the NSCDC Niger State Command, previously admitted before a judicial commission of inquiry established by the Niger State Government that he heard the detainees screaming but did not open their cell.

The officer made the admission while testifying before the commission, which is chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed.

During his testimony, Ndamaka reportedly broke down in tears as he expressed regret over the deaths and apologised to the victims’ families and the people of Niger State.

“I am very sorry for the deaths of the miners in my custody. It is unfortunate that this happened under my watch. I am pained, and it is very unfortunate that this happened. I am very sorry. I admit my mistake,” he said.

Explaining why he failed to open the cell, the officer said he feared that the detainees would overpower him because of the shortage of personnel at the facility that evening.

He also acknowledged that the detention cell was overcrowded and that the heat inside had become unbearable for those being held.

“The fear of being overpowered by the detainees prevented me from opening the cell door, despite hearing them screaming and shouting because of overcrowding and the heat inside,” Ndamaka told the commission.

The officer further explained that the miners were brought to the facility late in the evening during a heavy downpour, creating additional difficulties for personnel attempting to accommodate the new arrivals.

According to his account, the need to separate male and female suspects complicated efforts to move the detainees into other cells that might have offered more space.

Ndamaka also told the commission that attempts to transfer some of the detainees to the old NSCDC command headquarters were unsuccessful, claiming that the proposed transfer was rejected by the Mining Marshal.

Following the deaths, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Federal Government subsequently constituted a 10-member investigative committee to examine the incident, establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether negligence or misconduct contributed to the tragedy.

The federal investigation is separate from the judicial commission of inquiry established by the Niger State Government.

While the state commission has heard testimony from officers involved in managing the detention facility, the federal committee was tasked with conducting a broader investigation into the incident.

The victims had been arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining in Niger State.

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