The Allied Peoples Movement (APM) has condemned the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
According to Daily Post Nigeria and Tribune Online, the party is calling for an open and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The demand follows reports that 66 detainees were held in a single cell, although the available reports do not establish whether overcrowding was the direct cause of the deaths.
The incident reportedly occurred in Minna on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Punch Newspapers described those who died as suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
The Federal Government has since announced an investigative panel and the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers, according to Tribune Online. The development came as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar separately called for an independent investigation and justice for the deceased.
The NSCDC has also appointed a new commandant for Niger State. Vanguard reported that Kabara replaced Suberu Aniviye, who was suspended after the deaths.
The investigation will be expected to clarify how the detainees died, the conditions in which they were held, and whether any officials or institutional failures contributed to the incident. No detailed official account of the cause of death was included in the source reports reviewed for this story.
By
