NSCDC Custody Deaths: IHRC Identifies 37 Suspected Illegal Miners Who Died In Niger

The names of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have been identified, according to the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC).

The victims were among scores of suspects arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, the Niger State capital.

The IHRC told TheCable that it had compiled a list of the 37 deceased suspects.

Awaisu Giwa, International Peace Ambassador at the IHRC, said on Sunday that the organisation obtained the initial list from records at the General Hospital, Minna.

The development follows growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the suspects while in NSCDC custody.

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The Nigeria Police Force has since taken over the NSCDC office in Niger State following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, to commence an investigation into the deaths.

Authorities are expected to establish the circumstances leading to the deaths and determine whether any wrongdoing occurred during the detention of the suspects.

The identities of the 37 deceased have now been documented as part of efforts to establish the facts surrounding the incident and provide clarity to their families.