By Nkechi Eze
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, has called for justice and transparency in the investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
According to a statement signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, CISLAC condemned the deaths and urged the authorities to conduct an independent and transparent investigation capable of establishing responsibility.
The victims were among scores of people arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16, 2026. Their deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17.
CISLAC acknowledged the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers, as well as ongoing investigations and directives for a full probe into the incident.
However, the organisation said the investigation must involve the National Human Rights Commission, civil society representatives and forensic experts, with relevant detention records and medical reports made public.
It also demanded the prosecution of any officers or officials found to have contributed to the deaths through negligence, abuse of power or other unlawful conduct, stressing that administrative sanctions alone would not be sufficient where criminal responsibility is established.
CISLAC further called for immediate improvements in detention conditions nationwide, including adequate ventilation, medical care, food and water, and compliance with established capacity and human-rights standards.
The organisation said the incident should also prompt a broader review of the systems regulating mining activities and protecting vulnerable communities, noting that poverty, unemployment, insecurity, weak social protection and regulatory failures continue to expose vulnerable families and children to dangerous mining activities.
CISLAC urged the government to provide compensation, psychosocial support and other forms of redress to the families of the deceased and survivors, while reviewing the treatment of artisanal miners and enforcement of mining regulations.
“The Nigerian state has a sacred duty to protect the lives of all citizens, including those in its custody. Anything less erodes public trust and the rule of law,” CISLAC said.
The organisation said it would continue to monitor developments and engage relevant authorities to ensure that the incident results in meaningful institutional reforms, stronger regulatory oversight and accountability.
