Human rights commission seeks forensic examination, preservation of evidence and transparent investigation into deaths of suspected artisanal miners arrested in Minna
By A1NEWS International
MINNA, NIGER STATE, NIGERIA — September 18, 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has ordered a preliminary investigation into the deaths of 37 persons suspected of artisanal mining who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, amid growing demands for answers over what happened to the detainees.
The victims were among suspects arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi-Lukoto area on September 15 and 16. The deaths were reported in the early hours of September 17, with the bodies subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while its national leadership has said the actual cause of death has not been established pending medical and laboratory examinations.
The development has triggered investigations by security authorities and heightened public concern. The Federal Government has also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
NHRC Demands Independent Forensic Examination
Reacting to the deaths, NHRC Executive Secretary Chief Tony Ojukwu, OFR, SAN, expressed deep concern and condemned the loss of lives in custody.
Ojukwu said the Commission had commenced a preliminary inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any human rights violations occurred.
He also called for an independent forensic autopsy, urging authorities to preserve all physical, medical and documentary evidence that could assist investigators in determining what happened to the detainees.
The NHRC chief stressed that the investigations ordered by the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC must be transparent, comprehensive and consistent with internationally recognised standards for investigating potentially unlawful deaths in custody.
His intervention comes as other rights organisations have similarly called for an independent and impartial investigation into the incident. Amnesty International has urged authorities to establish the circumstances of the arrests, the conditions of detention and the treatment received by those who died.
‘Suspected Illegal Mining’ Does Not Remove Rights, NHRC Says
Ojukwu emphasised that an allegation of illegal mining cannot, in itself, remove the constitutional and legal protections afforded to people who are arrested and detained.
According to the NHRC Executive Secretary, law enforcement agencies have a duty to protect the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in their custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
“Citizens who are arrested on suspicion by law enforcement agents are by law expected to enjoy the full compliment of their fundamental human right in accordance with national and international human rights instruments,” Ojukwu said.
The statement places particular focus on the circumstances surrounding the detainees’ arrest, their physical condition when taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, access to medical care and the events preceding their deaths.
The NSCDC has said its own investigative team will examine those same issues, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.
Cause of Death Remains Unresolved
The precise cause of the 37 deaths remains a central question.
The Niger State NSCDC command previously said the detainees were found dead following what it described as a suspected disease outbreak. The corpses were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
However, the NSCDC national headquarters has cautioned against drawing conclusions about the cause of death before
That uncertainty has increased pressure for independent forensic examinations and careful preservation of evidence.
Government Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the investigation would proceed while the commandant remained
The NSCDC headquarters has separately constituted a high-powered investigative team led by its Deputy Commandant-General in charge of intelligence and investigation.
The team is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests and deaths, including the detainees’ condition at the point of arrest, their treatment while in custody and the medical attention they received. TTheCable
Calls for Calm as Tensions Rise in Minna
The deaths have generated public concern and protests in Minna, with authorities appealing for calm while investigations continue. Reuters reported on Friday that security forces fired live ammunition during protests linked to
Against that backdrop, Ojukwu appealed to youths and residents of Minna to remain peaceful and refrain from violence.
He assured the public that the NHRC would pursue accountability and seek appropriate remedies if violations of human rights are established.
Families Await Answers
For the families of the deceased, the investigation is expected to address fundamental questions about how their relatives came to die after being arrested and detained.
Beyond establishing the medical cause of death, the inquiries will need to determine the identities and circumstances of the deceased, their condition before detention, the conditions in which they were held and whether appropriate medical assistance was provided.
The deaths have also renewed scrutiny of enforcement operations against illegal mining and the safeguards required when suspects are taken into state custody.
The NHRC’s demand for independent forensic examination places the preservation of evidence and an impartial determination of the facts at the centre of the ongoing inquiry.
The deaths of 37 suspected artisanal miners in NSCDC custody have raised serious questions about detention conditions, custodial safeguards and the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to protect the lives and dignity of people in their care.
With investigations now underway at multiple levels, the definitive cause of death and the circumstances that led to the fatalities remain to be established. The outcome of forensic examinations and independent investigations will be critical to determining whether any violations occurred and, where responsibility is established, what remedies or accountability measures should follow.
For the NHRC, the immediate priority is clear: preserve the evidence, establish the facts and ensure that the rights of people in custody are protected by law.
Leave a Reply