The Federal Government’s investigative panel into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State has recommended ₦1.4bn in compensation for the families of victims and survivors, while calling for the dismissal of officers allegedly involved in the incident.
The committee also found that the 37 miners died from asphyxiation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, on September 17, 2026.
The chairman of the Independent Investigative Committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed the findings on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.
According to the report, the deaths were avoidable, with the victims, including 14 minors, allegedly held in inhuman conditions.
The panel recommended ₦1.4bn in compensation for the families of 33 victims and 44 survivors, according to a report on the committee’s findings.
It also called for the summary dismissal of the Niger State NSCDC commandant and other officers directly involved in the detention of the miners and the events that led to their deaths.
The committee further recommended institutional reforms within the corps to strengthen leadership and prevent a recurrence.
Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo promised to implement the recommendations to ensure justice for those affected.
The minister also directed the NSCDC commandant to immediately suspend officers accused of cleaning up the detention centre in a manner allegedly intended to destroy evidence.
The victims were among dozens of people arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
Discussion0