Niger Detainees’ Deaths: Panel Blames Overcrowding, Negligence, Recommends ₦30m Compensation

An independent investigation panel has attributed the deaths of 33 detainees at a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility in Niger State to overcrowding, poor ventilation, negligence and delayed responses to distress calls.

The panel’s chairman and former Deputy Director-General of the State Security Service, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this while presenting the report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

Kure said the investigation, conducted following a presidential directive, found that the detainees died from acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia, aggravated by extreme heat, dehydration and inadequate ventilation.

According to the report, about 50 male detainees were held in a cell measuring approximately 20 square metres, with inadequate airflow, insufficient drinking water and poor sanitation.

The panel also found that adults and minors were detained together, while detainees reportedly called for help and pleaded for water throughout the night without receiving timely assistance.

The report confirmed that 33 detainees died, while 41 others survived. Six survivors received medical treatment at the General Hospital in Minna, while 14 of the deceased were minors.

The investigation further established that the arrests followed operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities around Bibi in Niger State.

However, the panel noted that the operations were conducted without adequate planning or consultation with relevant authorities.

It identified alleged professional misconduct, inadequate supervision, unlawful detention practices and leadership failures among the issues that contributed to the tragedy. The findings also implicated the command structure of the NSCDC in the handling of the incident.

The panel dismissed claims that a disease outbreak caused the deaths, stating that available medical and forensic evidence pointed to environmental asphyxia as the most likely cause. It also said allegations that an aerosol substance had been sprayed inside the cell were not substantiated by the investigation.

Describing the incident as a preventable tragedy, the committee recommended compensation of ₦30 million for the family of each deceased detainee and ₦10 million for each survivor.

It also called for a comprehensive review of NSCDC operational procedures and appropriate disciplinary action against officers found culpable.

Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo thanked the committee for its work and assured the victims’ families and Nigerians that the government would pursue accountability.

The minister said the report would be forwarded to the Federal Ministry of Justice for further judicial action, while the Ministry of Interior would implement the necessary administrative measures arising from the findings.

He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to ensuring accountability and justice, stressing that every Nigerian life deserved equal protection.

“No Nigerian life is more important than another. We assure the families of the victims that justice must be served,” the minister said.