*** call for the complete overhaul of operational and custodial practices of NSCDC
A faith-based civil liberties organization, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded justice and compensation for the family of the 37 artisenal miners who died in mysterious circumstances while under the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.
The custodial death of the 37 teenagers occurred following a targeted raid against illegal mining activities between September 15 and 16 and about 67 suspects were placed in NSCDC custody. Out of this number, 37 were found dead on the morning of September 17, 2026.
The death of such large number of suspects while under the custody of the NSCDC has sparked immense public outrage and widespread condemnation across Nigeria, compelling MURIC to demand for justice and adequate compensation for the bereaved families.
In a press release issued on Sunday, 20th September, 2026, the Kano State Chairman who doubles as the coordinator of the group in the 19 northern states and Abuja, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, acknowledged the anguish and trauma which the parents and relatives of the deceased teenagers were facing.
”On the morning of September 17, 2026, MURIC received with shock the news of unfortunate death of 37 artisenal miners, largely teenagers, while in a crowded cell in Minna, Niger State command of the NSCDC paramilitary force.
”The suspects were alleged to have been jammed together under severely inhumane conditions, with poor ventilation and excessive heat.
”Sadly enough, some of the survivors disclosed the complaint they had made of the cell being too small and the excessive heat, all to the deaf ears of the NSCDC staff on duty even after raising an alarm about some of them dying. One survivor alleged an unidentified substance was sprayed into the packed cell.
If found to be true, MURIC views this as grossly unprofessional, insensitive, callous and malevolent.
”This is quite in contradiction to the constitutional protection of individuals under law enforcement custody while expected to retain their fundamental rights including the rights to life and dignity as enshrined in our statutes and international human rights treaties.
”MURIC notes with alarm the increasing scandal and implication, across the country, of some NSCDC operatives in human rights abuses; illegal arrests and prolonged detention, extortion, harassment and intimidation of civilians, improper custodial operations and disgraceful conduct.
The 1999 Constitution of Nigeria strictly prohibits the torture of any detainee under Section 34(1), which guarantees every individual the right to respect for the dignity of their person and states that no person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman or degrading treatment.
Article 5 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights also states, ‘No
one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment.
”In the case of the recent incident in Minna, Niger State, MURIC commends the swift and proactive role played by the Niger State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, mnips.
We equally salute the state DSS and the Niger State Government for their proactiveness.
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In the same vein, we doff our hats to the Federal Government for constituting a 10-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of the 37 miners. The independent committee was also mandated to find out the truth of an alleged shooting of some enraged protesters by the security forces attempting to enforce curfew which the Niger State Government had declared in order to forestall any breakdown of law and order.
”In view of the above, therefore, MURIC hereby demands justice for the deceased and adequate compensation for their bereaved parents and relatives in order to serve as a lesson to others who abuse power.
”Finally, MURIC calls for the complete overhaul of the operational and custodial practices of the NSCDC nationwide to avert public apathy and distrust against the security agency.”
