An independent investigation has revealed that 33 detainees, including 14 children, died after approximately 50 male detainees were crammed into a poorly ventilated 12-square-metre cell at the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna.
Key Highlights
- 33 detainees, including 14 children, died in an overcrowded NSCDC cell in Minna.
- About 50 male detainees were packed into a 12-square-metre cell.
- Medical evidence points to acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia.
- Officers ignored cries and banging from detainees, the committee found.
- The report recommends disciplinary measures and prosecution of culpable officers.
The deaths occurred between the evening of September 16 and the morning of September 17, 2026, following the detention of suspects arrested during operations targeting alleged illegal mining activities.
According to the investigation report, the detainees were held in an overcrowded cell without adequate ventilation, reliable lighting, running water or a functioning toilet.
Medical evidence cited by the committee indicated that the victims died from acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia, with severe overcrowding, excessive heat and dehydration identified as major contributing factors.
The committee described the detention facility as both legally and physically unsuitable for the number of people held inside it.
“The 12m² male cell was also legally and physically unsuitable for the number held in it,” the report stated.
Officers Ignored Cries For Help
The investigation further found that officers responsible for the detention facility failed to reduce the overcrowding or seek emergency assistance despite prolonged cries and banging from detainees struggling inside the cell.
“The committee finds that officers responsible for the cells failed to reduce the overcrowding, ignored prolonged cries and banging of the cell door and wall and did not provide emergency help,” the report stated.
The report identified the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka, as having admitted that approximately 50 detainees were packed into the cell.
It also named Ndamaka Usman, the officer in charge of cell guards, who reportedly admitted detaining about 50 males, including 17 children, in the facility.
Children Among Victims
Of the 33 detainees who died, 14 were minors. Nine of the 41 survivors were also under the age of 18, highlighting the extent to which children were exposed to the dangerous detention conditions.
The committee found that adults and children were detained together in violation of child-protection requirements.
Read also:
- FG’s Panel Identifies Asphyxiation As Cause Of Death Of 37 Miners In NSCDC Custody
- See Full List Of 37 Miners Who Died In NSCDC Custody
- Environmental Group Condemns Death Of 37 Illegal Miners In Niger, Demands End To Harmful Mining Practices
It also faulted the handling of the arrests, finding that the raids conducted on September 15 and 16 were carried out without an approved operational order, adequate planning or consultation with the relevant mining authorities.
The investigation concluded that the authorities failed to follow proper procedures for mass arrests and detention, leaving officers unprepared to manage the large number of suspects taken into custody.
Deaths Were Preventable, Panel Says
The committee identified the combination of overcrowding, poor ventilation, heat exposure and dehydration as the principal factors contributing to the deaths.
It concluded that the deaths were entirely preventable. The report recommended disciplinary measures and prosecution for officers found culpable, alongside reforms to detention procedures, custodial supervision, personnel training and detention infrastructure.
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