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Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi has called for a transparent, independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.”
Obi made the call in a statement on Friday, describing the deaths as a tragedy that demands urgent answers.
The 37 detainees were among scores of suspects arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially said the detainees were found dead following a suspected disease outbreak, but its national headquarters later said the cause of death had not been established and would be determined through medical and laboratory examinations.
Niger State Governor Umar Bago has confirmed the death toll and ordered an inquiry into the incident. He also announced the suspension of the state NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and his team to allow for an impartial investigation.
Credit: Anadolu Ajansı
Reacting to the deaths, Obi said the detainees remained human beings regardless of the allegations against them and were entitled to humane treatment while in government custody.
“These were persons who had been arrested as suspects. Whatever offence they were suspected of committing, they were still human beings, and the responsibility of the State was to keep them alive, safe, and treated humanely while due process took its course,” he said.
Obi expressed concern over the number of deaths recorded within a detention facility over a short period, saying Nigerians deserved a credible investigation into what happened.
“It is particularly disturbing that so many people could die within a place of detention in such a short period,” he said.
He noted that reports had raised issues including disease, overcrowding and inadequate ventilation, but said the actual cause of death must be established through a transparent investigation.
The NDC candidate also called for greater emphasis on protecting human life when exercising state security powers.
“A nation cannot claim to value human life when people can enter government custody alive and emerge dead without immediate, transparent, and credible accountability,” he said.
Obi condoled with the families of the deceased and urged authorities to ensure justice for the victims.
The deaths have triggered public concern in Minna, with protests reported in parts of the state capital. The Niger State Government has since imposed a curfew in Minna and declared three days of mourning for the victims.
Let’s begin to give dignity to human lives in our land.
The death of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, is a deeply troubling tragedy that demands urgent answers. These were persons who had been arrested as…
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) September 18, 2026
