Niger NSCDC Cell Deaths: 14 Children Among 33 Detainees Killed By Overcrowding, Asphyxiation – Probe

Ayomide Awe

A Federal Government investigation has revealed that 14 children, including four below the age of 14, were among 33 detainees who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, following their arrest during raids on suspected illegal mining sites.

The probe also exposed how some of the arrested artisanal miners were internally displaced persons who had fled their ancestral communities following attacks by bandits and allegedly resorted to mining activities to survive.

The deaths, which occurred in September, were attributed to severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration, environmental asphyxia and what investigators described as gross custodial negligence.

The revelations were contained in the report of a 10-member Independent Investigation Committee constituted by the Federal Ministry of Interior to investigate the deaths.

The committee, chaired by Jonathan Kure, submitted its findings to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on October 27.

According to the report, a total of 75 people were detained following raids conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi axis of Minna.

One detainee was subsequently released, leaving 74 people in custody overnight.

Investigators found that approximately 50 male detainees were confined in a cell measuring barely 12 square metres, with a solid metal door, inadequate ventilation, no running water and no functional toilet.

The report further established that access to food and drinking water was either unavailable or grossly inadequate, while children were detained alongside adult suspects.

The committee said its investigation authenticated 33 deaths, including 14 minors, while 41 detainees survived.

Nine of the surviving detainees interviewed by the committee were also minors.

“Our findings established an authenticated casualty toll of thirty-three (33) deaths in custody; fourteen (14) of whom were verified minors resulting directly from cell overcrowding, total atmospheric collapse, environmental asphyxia and gross custodial negligence,” the report stated.

It confirmed that four of the deceased children were below 14 years old.

Condemning the detention of children alongside adults, the committee said the practice violated child-protection requirements and demonstrated disregard for the NSCDC’s Standard Operating Procedure.

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