Niger miners died from dehydration — Panel

A Federal Government panel has revealed that 33 suspected illegal miners died from dehydration and acute respiratory failure while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The chairman of the investigative committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

Kure corrected earlier reports that 37 miners had died, saying the panel’s investigation confirmed 33 deaths.

FG panel recommends prosecution of NSCDC officers over 37 miners’ deaths

He said the detainees collapsed after repeatedly calling for water but were ignored by NSCDC personnel.

The committee also found that the detention room was overcrowded and poorly ventilated, conditions that contributed to the fatal incident.

According to Kure, the arrests and detention of the miners were not authorised, while the victims were held beyond the period permitted by law.

The findings raise questions about the conduct of the officers involved and the treatment of detainees in the custody of the security agency.

The panel recommended a comprehensive reform of the NSCDC and compensation for the families of the deceased.

The investigation followed public outrage over the deaths, prompting President Bola Tinubu to order a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Federal Government had earlier suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.

The panel was mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, identify the cause of death and establish whether negligence or misconduct by NSCDC personnel contributed to the tragedy.

The committee’s findings are expected to inform further decisions on accountability and reforms within the corps.