MINERS’ DEATH: MURIC demands justice, compensation, overhaul of operational, custodial practices of NSCDC

By KEMI KASUMU

“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 about 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.”

A faith-based civil liberties organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), has demanded justice and compensation for the families of the 37 artisanal miners who died in mysterious circumstances while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

The custodial deaths of the 37 teenagers occurred following a targeted raid against illegal mining activities between September 15 and 16, during which about 67 suspects were placed in NSCDC custody. Out of this number, 37 were reportedly found dead on the morning of September 17, 2026.

Like the death in police custody of Muhammad Yusuf, which caused protests by his group in a manner that snowballed into what the United States of America later tagged Boko Haram terrorist organisation, although revelations later showed the same Western power as its creator and funder, the deaths of such a large number of suspects in Niger State while in the custody of the NSCDC are considered a threat to peace in the nation if nothing is done about it.

This is as it has already sparked immense public outrage and widespread condemnation across Nigeria, compelling the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) to demand justice and adequate compensation for the bereaved families.

‎In a press statement issued on Sunday, September 20, 2026, the MURIC 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.

According to the statement, “On the morning of September 17, 2026, MURIC received with shock the news of the unfortunate death of 37 artisanal miners, largely teenagers, while in a crowded cell at the Niger State Command of the NSCDC paramilitary force in Minna.

“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 about 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 that 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, who are 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,” it said.

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, said MURIC.

Continuing, it said, “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.

“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 deaths of the 37 miners. The independent committee was also mandated to find out the truth of an alleged shooting of some enraged protesters by security forces attempting to enforce the 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,” said MURIC.