Miners’ Deaths: Rights Group Threatens NSCDC Protest Over Delayed Probe Report

The Nigeria Diaspora Organizations and Community for Human Rights (NDOCHR) has threatened to stage a peaceful protest at the headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Abuja on Friday over the reported deaths of 37 miners in the corps’ custody in Niger State.

The group is demanding the immediate public release of the findings of the committee investigating the incident, an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and accountability for any officials found culpable.

In a protest notice dated October 20, 2026, and addressed to the Inspector General of Police, NDOCHR also called for the removal of the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, arguing that his continued stay in office could undermine public confidence in the investigation.

The notice, signed by the group’s convener, Abimbola Yetunde, was reportedly acknowledged by the office of the Inspector General of Police.

NDOCHR accused the NSCDC leadership of failing to ensure accountability over the incident and urged the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.

The organisation rejected what it described as attempts to place sole responsibility on junior officers or state level personnel, insisting that the investigation should examine the chain of command and determine responsibility at every level where evidence warrants it.

It said the probe should go beyond internal disciplinary measures to establish what happened to the miners, the circumstances of their deaths and whether any officials should face prosecution.

The group also called for an independent investigation and prosecution of the commandant general, while disclosing plans to petition the International Criminal Court in The Hague over alleged serious human rights violations connected with the incident.

Expressing concern over the delay in releasing the investigation report, NDOCHR claimed that the committee had requested two weeks to conclude its assignment but that the period had elapsed without an adequate explanation.

It urged the authorities to make the findings public and explain the measures being taken to ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The organisation further questioned Audi’s continued leadership of the corps while the investigation remained ongoing, saying the situation raised concerns about the perceived independence and credibility of the process.

NDOCHR said it had formally notified the police of the planned demonstration and requested adequate security for participants.

It maintained that the protest would be peaceful and conducted in accordance with the right to peaceful assembly, adding that the action formed part of its broader campaign for human rights protection, transparency and accountability in public institutions.

The group urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation was conducted without interference and that the findings were made available to the public.

As of the time of the report, there was no response from the NSCDC leadership to the allegations and demands contained in the protest notice.

The circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and the findings of the investigating committee could not be independently established from the information contained in the notice.