Minna Detention Deaths: Amnesty Demands Independent Probe Into 37 Deaths

Amnesty International has called for an immediate, independent investigation into the deaths of dozens of people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The rights organisation said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established through a probe that is independent, impartial, transparent and effective.

The detainees were among people arrested on September 15 and 16 during operations at mining sites around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody. He said the state government had constituted a committee of inquiry, while the NSCDC Niger State commandant and his team were suspended to facilitate the investigation.

The exact cause of death has not yet been conclusively established. The NSCDC’s state command initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, while the corps’ national headquarters said medical and laboratory examinations would be required to determine the cause.

Amnesty said authorities must establish not only how the detainees died but also the circumstances surrounding their arrests and the conditions in which they were held.

The organisation also called for the investigation to determine whether any officials or other individuals were responsible for conduct that contributed to the deaths.

It said anyone found responsible should face appropriate legal accountability rather than only internal or administrative sanctions.

The rights group further called for victims’ families to be given access to justice and effective remedies.

The deaths have triggered protests in Minna, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The Niger State Government subsequently imposed a curfew in the state capital amid rising tensions.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has also ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident, saying the probe should examine the circumstances of the arrests, detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, medical attention provided to detainees and the events leading to the deaths.

Amnesty’s call comes as authorities face pressure to establish what happened to the detainees and provide answers to their families.

The organisation stressed that the deaths must not go unanswered and urged the authorities to ensure that the investigation leads to justice for those who lost their lives.