A French human rights organisation, Avocats Sans Frontières France (ASF France), has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The organisation expressed concern over reports suggesting that the detainees were held in overcrowded and poorly ventilated conditions before the tragedy occurred. It urged Nigerian authorities to ensure that the investigation goes beyond identifying the immediate cause of death and examines the broader circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to ASF France, several of the victims were reportedly between the ages of 14 and 18, raising additional concerns about the treatment of minors in detention facilities. Survivor accounts cited by the organisation described chaotic scenes inside the holding facility, with detainees allegedly struggling for air and repeatedly calling for help as conditions deteriorated.
The deaths have sparked national attention and renewed scrutiny of detention conditions within security agencies. While the NSCDC initially suggested that a disease outbreak may have contributed to the fatalities, rights advocates argue that questions remain over whether overcrowding, inadequate ventilation and delayed emergency response played significant roles in the incident.
ASF France noted that the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths have yet to be fully established and stressed the importance of a credible fact-finding process. The group welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to order an investigation and the subsequent suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant pending the outcome of inquiries.
Country Director of ASF France, Angela Uzoma-Iwuchukwu, said governments bear a special responsibility for the welfare and safety of individuals held in their custody. She argued that any loss of life in detention requires thorough scrutiny to determine whether authorities fulfilled their obligations under national and international standards.
The organisation referenced the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners, commonly known as the Nelson Mandela Rules, as well as the Minnesota Protocol on the Investigation of Potentially Unlawful Death. According to ASF France, these frameworks require authorities to conduct prompt, impartial and effective investigations whenever deaths occur in state custody.
The rights group further urged investigators to examine possible institutional failures, detention conditions, emergency response procedures and the chain of command overseeing the facility. It also called for the preservation of all relevant evidence, independent forensic examinations and protection for survivors and witnesses who may provide testimony.
As investigations begin, the incident has intensified discussions about detention standards, accountability and the treatment of suspects within Nigeria’s security and justice systems. Observers say the findings of the probe could shape future reforms aimed at preventing similar tragedies in custodial facilities across the country.
