Former Vice‑President and 2027 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent, thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The miners were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on 15 and 16 September. Early on Thursday, the corps reported that some of the detainees had been found dead, citing a suspected disease outbreak. Niger State Governor Umar Bago confirmed that 37 men had died in custody and said forensic examinations, medical tests and autopsies were underway to determine the cause of death.
In response, the federal government has ordered a full‑scale investigation. The NSCDC Commandant‑General has directed the Niger State commandant and other senior officers involved in the operation to step aside and appear before an investigative panel. The commandant of the Niger State NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended.
“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public,” Atiku said. “Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should be held fully accountable.”
Atiku added that the victims were entitled to protection and dignity while in government custody, regardless of the allegations against them. He said the families of the deceased deserve more than condolences – they deserve the truth and justice, and Nigerians deserve the assurance that state custody will never become a death sentence. He expressed sympathy for the families and urged that the truth be established without delay, as the actual cause of the deaths has not yet been determined.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
