Share!
The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) has called for justice over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The party also demanded an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and urged authorities to prosecute anyone found culpable.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Saturday, the PRP National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, condemned the incident and expressed concern over what he described as persistent insecurity and threats to the lives and property of Nigerians.
“We demand the immediate establishment of an Independent Commission of Inquiry to determine the causes of this unfortunate incident and call for the prosecution of anyone found culpable,” Ishaq said.
The 37 detainees were arrested during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. They subsequently died while in custody in Minna.
The cause of the deaths remains under investigation. While the NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, survivors have alleged that overcrowding, suffocation and dehydration contributed to the incident. Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago also said preliminary forensic findings raised the possibility of lead poisoning.
The PRP further called on the government to intensify efforts to secure the release of residents of Dekara community in Borgu Local Government Area who, according to the party, have been held by bandits since August.
The party said the continued insecurity across parts of the North-Central and North-West regions required urgent intervention, warning that unchecked banditry, kidnapping and other security breaches could pose a serious threat to national security.
The PRP’s demand came after the Federal Government announced the establishment of a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths. The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances of their arrest and detention, determine the cause of death and establish responsibility, negligence or misconduct where applicable.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also announced the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.
