The Social Justice and Public Interest Law Advocacy Initiative (SPI-LAW) has demanded an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, warning that an alleged disease outbreak must not become a convenient explanation for deaths that occurred under the control of a government security agency.
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The call followed reports that dozens of persons arrested during anti-illegal-mining operations in the Wushishi–Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026, died while being detained by the NSCDC. Reuters reported seeing 33 bodies at Minna General Hospital, while Nigerian authorities subsequently put the death toll at 37. The NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak but later said the actual cause of death had not been established and would be determined through medical examination.
In a statement signed by its President, John Aikpokpo-Martins, Esq., SPI-LAW described the incident as “horrifying” and said the circumstances required an immediate, transparent investigation conducted independently of the NSCDC.
The organisation raised questions over reports that about 65 detainees may have been confined in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell, asking whether the suspects were medically examined before or after detention, whether they showed symptoms of any infectious disease and when health authorities were notified.
“How did so many persons allegedly contract and die from the same illness within such a short period? Were they medically examined before or upon detention? Did they display symptoms? When were health authorities notified? What emergency treatment was provided?” SPI-LAW asked.
It also questioned the conditions in which the suspects were allegedly held, including ventilation, sanitation and medical supervision, adding: “Diphtheria must not become a convenient explanation for death that occurred under the exclusive control of a government security agency.”
A surviving detainee has reportedly alleged that overcrowding and inadequate ventilation contributed to the deaths, while authorities have said medical tests are required to establish the cause. Those competing accounts have not yet been conclusively resolved.
SPI-LAW cited Sections 33, 34 and 35 of the 1999 Constitution, relating to the rights to life, dignity and personal liberty, stressing that persons arrested over alleged illegal mining remain entitled to constitutional protection and are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
“The statutory punishment for illegal mining is not death sentence,” the group stated.
The organisation acknowledged the decision of the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, to suspend Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and order a full investigation. The Federal Government has confirmed that the commandant was directed to step aside pending the outcome of the probe, while the NSCDC leadership has constituted an investigative process.
SPI-LAW, however, argued that the suspension should only be regarded as a preliminary administrative step, insisting that officers directly connected with the arrests and detention should also be removed from duty while investigations continue.
It called for an independent investigative panel comprising representatives of the National Human Rights Commission, Nigerian Bar Association, Nigerian Medical Association, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, civil society organisations and representatives of the victims’ families.
The group also demanded independent forensic autopsies conducted by qualified pathologists and witnessed by medical experts nominated by the families, arguing that the bodies should be properly identified and documented before burial.
SPI-LAW further called for the immediate preservation of CCTV footage, arrest and detention registers, duty rosters, incident reports, radio communications, medical records, photographs and records showing the capacity of the detention facility, as well as the identities of officers involved in the operation.
It demanded a public accounting of everyone arrested, including the number detained, those who died, survivors, persons transferred for medical treatment and the present condition and location of each surviving detainee.
The group said survivors should undergo urgent medical examination and be protected as potential witnesses against intimidation or coercion.
SPI-LAW also called for investigation of allegations of overcrowding, suffocation, denial of food and alleged demands for ₦100,000 for the release of some detainees. Reuters reported allegations from a relative that money had been demanded in connection with detainees’ release, although those allegations have not been judicially established.
The organisation urged the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and the Niger State Ministry of Health to determine scientifically whether diphtheria or any other communicable disease was present and, if confirmed, carry out testing, treatment and contact tracing.
It further described the NSCDC detention facility as a potential crime scene and demanded that it be secured to prevent alteration or loss of evidence.
“Any finding of torture, reckless detention, criminal negligence, evidence tampering or extrajudicial killing must result in prosecution — not merely transfer, suspension or retirement,” SPI-LAW said.
The organisation also demanded adequate compensation and psychological support for families of the deceased, without prejudice to any civil claims they may bring, as well as an urgent nationwide audit of NSCDC detention facilities covering cell capacity, ventilation, sanitation, feeding, medical care and compliance with constitutional and human-rights standards.
While recognising the government’s responsibility to tackle illegal mining and environmental destruction, SPI-LAW maintained that enforcement must remain within the law.
“Government has a legitimate responsibility to combat illegal mining, environmental destruction and the criminal networks that exploit Nigeria’s mineral resources. That responsibility must, however, be exercised within the confines of the law,” the group said.
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