Nigeria probe finds officers' negligence led to death of 33 detainees, including 14 minors

Nigeria probe finds officers' negligence led to death of 33 detainees, including 14 minors - Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. (Photo: Tinubu/X)

The inquiry found that over 50 men had been held in a small cell without adequate ventilation, running water or a working toilet.

A Nigerian government inquiry has recommended prosecution of security officers over the deaths of 33 detainees, including 14 minors, last month, after finding serious failures in the way suspects were arrested, held and supervised in custody.

The deaths occurred overnight on September 16 and 17 after officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) detained people during operations against suspected illegal mining in Niger State. President Bola Tinubu ordered an investigation after the incident, with the committee tasked with examining how the deaths happened and identifying those responsible.

The inquiry found that over 50 men had been held in a small cell without adequate ventilation, running water or a working toilet.

Investigators concluded that the conditions, combined with extreme heat and dehydration, deprived detainees of sufficient oxygen.

Despite initial reports putting the death toll at 37, the committee confirmed 33 deaths and identified 41 survivors on Tuesday, while ruling out a disease outbreak as the cause.

“The committee concluded that the incident was a preventable custodial tragedy caused by severe overcrowding, unlawful and unsuitable detention conditions, failure of duty of care, disregard of repeated distress warnings, inadequate supervision, and wider systemic deficiencies,” committee chair Jonathan Kure said, according to Punch Nigeria.

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The committee’s findings point to missed opportunities to prevent the deaths. Witnesses reported that detainees called out for help and water, but officers did not intervene in time, with the detention facility only opened at about 7:00 am on September 17.

Investigators also found that the raids had been conducted without an approved operational order or adequate planning, and without consultation with relevant mining authorities. NSCDC headquarters had also reportedly not been notified before the operation.

The inquiry also raised questions about whether evidence had been properly preserved. The detention area had reportedly been cleaned and disinfected before independent forensic investigators arrived at the scene.

Senior personnel, including the state commandant and the head of the investigation unit, were identified among officers whose conduct came under scrutiny. The committee recommended prosecution where evidence supports possible offences, including criminal negligence, torture, inhuman treatment and murder. It also called for the dismissal of the state commandant and other officers found directly responsible.

Beyond disciplinary action, the committee proposed compensation of 30 million naira (Sh2.9 million) for each bereaved family and 10 million naira (Sh968,066) for each survivor. It also recommended support for the deceased detainees’ dependants, medical and psychological care for survivors and affected families, and a formal government apology.

The committee also called for changes to NSCDC custody procedures, including improved detention facilities, CCTV cameras, emergency medical arrangements and stronger oversight, alongside human rights training for officers.