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Amnesty International has condemned the alleged use of lethal force against protest groups in Minna, Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while they were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The rights organisation said some individuals who protested the incident were shot and left with severe injuries during demonstrations that followed the deaths of the detainees.
It also said at least two people were reportedly killed during the protests.
In a statement, Amnesty called for an immediate independent and adequately resourced investigation into both the deaths in NSCDC custody and the alleged use of lethal force against the victims.
“Some were shot and left with severe injuries. At least two persons were reportedly killed during the protests. These atrocities must end now,” the statement read in part.
“Authorities must focus on an independent and resourceful investigation to start immediately. Parents and relatives of victims must be given all the support to access justice and adequate remedies.”
Credit: Reuters
The protests followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were arrested during operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis of Minna on September 15 and 16.
Amnesty said some of those who died in custody were minors.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but its national headquarters said the actual cause remained subject to medical and laboratory investigations.
Survivors have also alleged that detainees were held in overcrowded and poorly ventilated conditions.
The Nigerian Government has ordered investigations into the deaths and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye. Niger State authorities have also launched a separate inquiry.
Amnesty said the families of those killed must receive support to pursue justice and obtain adequate remedies.
The organisation’s call comes as authorities face mounting pressure to establish what happened to the detainees in custody and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and injuries recorded during the subsequent protests.
Amnesty International condemns the use of lethal force on protesters today in Minna Niger state, in the aftermath of the horrific death of 37 youth in the custody of @official_NSCDC. Some were shot and left with severe injuries. At least two persons were reportedly killed during…
— Amnesty International Nigeria (@AmnestyNigeria) September 18, 2026
