Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Atiku, in a statement posted on X on Friday, said the victims were entitled to protection and dignity while in government custody, regardless of the allegations against them. 
“I am deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths of dozens of Nigerians while in NSCDC custody in Niger State,” he said.
According to him, those who died were “sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones” whose families had every right to expect the state to protect their lives while they remained in custody.
“No Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life,” Atiku said.
He commended the Federal Government for suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordering a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Atiku, however, stressed that the investigation must go beyond the initial administrative action.
“The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public,” he said.
He added that anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held accountable.
The former Vice President also called on the authorities to provide justice and answers to the families of the deceased.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence,” he said.
Atiku expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and urged authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths without delay.
The deaths have triggered investigations by the Federal Government, the NSCDC and the Niger State Government.
The victims were among scores of suspects arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The Niger State NSCDC Command initially said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17 following what it described as a suspected disease outbreak. The corpses were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination. However, the NSCDC headquarters subsequently stressed that the actual cause of death had yet to be established.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in custody. He said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies would be conducted to establish the scientific cause of the deaths. The state government also constituted a committee of inquiry into the incident.
The Federal Government has suspended Aniviye pending the outcome of the investigation and ordered a full probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The NSCDC has also constituted a high-powered investigative team to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention they received.
The incident has also sparked protests in Minna, with security personnel deployed to parts of the state capital as authorities work to contain tensions.
The exact cause of the deaths remains unestablished. While the Niger State command initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, reports and allegations about overcrowding and poor ventilation have also emerged. Authorities have said medical and forensic investigations are necessary before any definitive conclusion can be reached.
