Former military President Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar have called for a thorough 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 former leaders made the call as concerns mounted over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which have triggered public outrage, protests and calls for accountability.
The victims were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested by NSCDC operatives during enforcement operations at mining sites in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. The deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17. 
The Niger State Government subsequently confirmed that 37 detainees had died in NSCDC custody. Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago declared three days of mourning and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.
The NSCDC initially said the detainees were found dead following a suspected disease outbreak, but its national headquarters stressed that no specific cause had been established and that medical and laboratory examinations were required before any conclusion could be reached.
Babangida, in a statement issued on his behalf by Dr Danladi Umar Abdulhameed, described the deaths as tragic and deeply disturbing while extending his condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Niger State.
He commended the state government for constituting a committee of inquiry and commencing medical and forensic examinations aimed at determining the circumstances and actual causes of the deaths.
According to Babangida, the investigative process was necessary to establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action was taken based on the findings.
He urged residents, particularly youths and relatives of the deceased, to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed, warning against actions capable of escalating tensions or threatening peace and security in the state.
The former military president also expressed hope that the investigation would be conducted transparently and provide credible answers to the bereaved families and the wider public.
Similarly, Abdulsalami described the deaths of the 37 young people as a painful loss to their families, communities, Niger State and Nigeria.
The former Head of State called for an in-depth investigation to establish exactly what happened while the miners were in custody and to ensure that appropriate measures were put in place to prevent a recurrence.
He also urged relevant government agencies and stakeholders to strengthen safety measures at mining sites, particularly for young people whose livelihoods depend on artisanal mining and other economic activities.
Abdulsalami further appealed for calm among affected communities and called on the authorities to provide necessary support to the families of the deceased.
FG Suspends NSCDC Officers, Sets Up Independent Panel
The calls from the former leaders came as the Federal Government stepped up its response to the incident.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed a comprehensive investigation, while the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths.
The government also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation. The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees upon arrival, the conditions in which they were held, medical attention provided to them and other factors that may have contributed to the deaths.
The incident has also prompted broader calls for accountability from civil society and human rights organisations, with groups demanding an independent investigation into the deaths.
Meanwhile, questions have continued to surround the conditions under which the detainees were held. Some survivors reportedly alleged severe overcrowding and poor ventilation, while authorities have maintained that the actual cause of death must be established through proper investigation and medical evidence.
The incident has heightened concerns about the enforcement of Nigeria’s campaign against illegal mining, an activity authorities have linked to environmental degradation and, in some areas, criminal networks. At the same time, the deaths have raised questions about the treatment and welfare of suspects while in state custody.
The independent investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and identify any responsibility or institutional failures involved.
