Niger NSCDC Cell Tragedy Survivor Recounts How Detainees Collapsed, Died One After Another

A survivor of the detention-cell tragedy in Minna, Niger State, where 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has recounted how detainees watched helplessly as their colleagues collapsed and died one after another.

The survivor, identified as Dauda Shehu, said about 65 detainees were crammed into a small and poorly ventilated cell at the Niger State Command of the NSCDC following enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities.

“We watched as our colleagues dropped dead one after another. When it became clear that we were in danger, we all raised the alarm. People screamed and called for help, but nobody chose to listen to us,” Shehu said.

Shehu, who was among six survivors taken to hospital for treatment, said the detainees struggled to breathe after the overcrowded cell became increasingly hot and stuffy.

“We were jam-packed, and there was no ventilation for us to breathe well. All of a sudden, we realised that we could not breathe, and we started scrambling to get fresh air,” he reportedly told the Associated Press.

Speaking at the General Hospital in Minna, where the bodies were taken for examination, Shehu said the detainees repeatedly banged on the cell door and called for the attention of security personnel.

He said that when help did not come, some detainees attempted to force the door open but were unsuccessful.

According to him, those at the far end of the cell began collapsing first, while many of those who survived were closer to the door.

Another survivor described the conditions inside the cell as unbearable, saying the intense heat left detainees drenched in sweat, thirsty and desperate for air and water.

He said he watched helplessly as the detainee beside him shook violently before collapsing and dying.

“The small cell was filled to capacity. There was no ventilation, and everywhere became stuffy. People started collapsing one after another, and before daybreak, more than half of us had died,” the survivor said.

The detainees were reportedly arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi Estate/Lukoto area of Minna over alleged illegal mining activities.

The deaths sparked protests in Minna, with youths and some miners blocking major roads and demanding justice for the victims.

The protests spread to areas including Maitumbi, Kpakungu and Tunga, disrupting traffic and commercial activities.

The demonstration later turned violent, with reports of vandalism of vehicles belonging to the state transport company and attacks on some businesses and political party offices.

Following the unrest, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna, directing residents to remain indoors after Friday prayers.

The governor also constituted a committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, has the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, as Secretary.

Bago said the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC had also commenced separate investigations, while forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.

The Niger State Government later confirmed that 37 detainees had died.

Earlier, reports indicated that 33 bodies had been deposited at the General Hospital in Minna.

The NSCDC initially suggested that the deaths might have been linked to a disease outbreak but later clarified that the actual cause had not been established and would be determined through medical examinations.

The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the bodies had been deposited at the hospital for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

Mother Alleges N100,000 Demand For Release

Meanwhile, a mother of one of the deceased, Shafa’atu Suleiman, alleged that NSCDC officials demanded N100,000 for the release of detainees.

Suleiman, whose son, Abdullahi, was among the victims, said she visited him while he was in custody and found him in an overcrowded cell.

She further alleged that relatives were prevented from supplying food to the detainees.

The allegations had not been independently verified, while the NSCDC reportedly did not respond to requests for comment on them.

Another bereaved father, Mallam Abdullahi, said his son appeared healthy when he took food to him in detention but was informed the following morning that he had died.

“My son was hale and hearty when I took dinner to him, but, shockingly, I was told the following morning that he had died in detention,” he said.

Relatives of some victims also alleged that the detainees were denied bail and that family members were asked to return on Thursday without being given a clear reason for the refusal.

Investigators have called on relatives of the victims and members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist the inquiry.

Tinubu Orders Full Investigation

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.

The President, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the incident was a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities but stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of people in custody.

He said suspicion of illegal mining did not remove the detainees’ right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

The President further directed that the investigation should establish the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were held, the number of people detained in the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

He also stressed that the suspension of officers must not replace the determination of criminal responsibility where evidence establishes wrongdoing.

“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” Tinubu said.

The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the process.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among affected families and communities.

“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” he said.

NSCDC Suspends Commandant, Senior Officers

Following the President’s directive, Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, subsequently directed Aniviye to step aside and report to the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja to appear before a panel of inquiry.

The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation in the Niger State Command were also directed to report to the national headquarters.

Audi ordered a new commandant to proceed to Niger State and take charge of the command.

Tunji-Ojo said the incident would be thoroughly investigated, adding that the government’s priority remained the protection of lives.

“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.

The NSCDC also said its inquiry would determine whether any personnel acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards.

The corps assured the government that it would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and said any officer found culpable could face administrative, disciplinary or criminal action, depending on the evidence.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.