Nigeria: 33 artisanal miners died in a Minna cell, investigation recommends murder charges

An independent commission of inquiry has concluded that the deaths of 33 young artisanal miners in a cell at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, in central Nigeria, were preventable, and it recommends criminal prosecution against the officers responsible. The report was submitted on October 27, 2026, in Abuja to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, according to Pen Agency News.

The men had been arrested during operations against illegal mining conducted on September 16 and 17, 2026. The death toll, initially reported as 37, was revised to 33 after verification of records, Africanews specifies. Fourteen of the victims were minors. The commission identified 41 survivors, 29 of whom were interviewed.

They begged for water, no one opened

According to the report cited by Blueprint, the immediate cause was acute respiratory failure brought on by prolonged confinement in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell, exacerbated by heat and dehydration. The detainees, who cried out for water and pounded on the door, received no response from the guards. The theory of an epidemic, initially put forward, has been dismissed. According to Africanews, the commission believes these circumstances amount to 'cruel, inhuman, and degrading' treatment.

The investigation also notes that the arrest operation was conducted without an operational order or approval from the NSCDC national headquarters, and that the detainees were held beyond the legal time limit. The ten-member commission is chaired by Jonathan Kure, former deputy head of the domestic intelligence services (DSS).

Dismissals, trials, and official apologies

The recommendations are severe: summary dismissal of the NSCDC Niger State commandant, who is accused of attributing the deaths to an epidemic; dismissal of the officers directly involved; and prosecution for murder, criminal negligence, torture, and inhuman treatment. The commission also requests an official apology from the federal government and educational support for the children of the deceased. The proposed compensation totals 1.4 billion naira: 30 million per bereaved family and 10 million per survivor.

The Minister of Interior announced that the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and confirmed the immediate suspension of the officers who cleaned the detention center, an act the commission considers an attempt to destroy evidence. 'The greatest gift we can give the deceased is justice,' he stated, as quoted by Pen Agency News.

The deaths had sparked protests across the country; at least two people were shot and killed by security forces during these events, reports WithinNigeria. No officers have been tried at this stage, and the presumption of innocence applies.