A Federal Government panel tasked with investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of Nigeria’s National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has formally requested a two‑week extension to submit its final report.
The panel was set up after the miners, who were detained by the NSCDC during a crackdown on illegal mining activities, died under circumstances that have prompted calls for a thorough inquiry. Their deaths have heightened public concern over the treatment of detainees and the safety of mining operations in the country.
In a written request to the overseeing authority, the panel asked for an additional fourteen days to complete its investigation and compile its findings. The submission did not detail the specific reasons for the extension, but indicated that more time is needed to gather evidence and interview relevant parties.
Illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in Nigeria, particularly in regions rich in mineral resources where unregulated extraction often leads to environmental damage and confrontations with security forces. The NSCDC has been active in recent years in curbing such activities, which sometimes result in arrests and detentions.
If granted, the extension will push back the deadline for the panel’s report, which is expected to include conclusions on the cause of the miners’ deaths and recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>