The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed profound sadness and grave concern over the deaths of 37 individuals who were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining and detained in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
While reports in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, initially indicated that 33 bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna mortuary, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago subsequently confirmed a total of 37 deaths.
Extending condolences to the bereaved families, the government, and the people of Niger State, the NBA emphasized that regardless of the circumstances surrounding their arrest, the victims entered NSCDC custody alive and were legally entitled to the protection of their lives and human dignity.
Explaining the association’s initial silence, the NBA noted that it deliberately refrained from making immediate pronouncements on the cause or circumstances of the tragedy to avoid speculating ahead of evidence.
However, the association stressed that this restraint should not be mistaken for indifference, declaring that the death of 37 people in state custody is an event of utmost gravity requiring a thorough, independent, transparent, and credible inquiry.
The NBA acknowledged the prompt response of federal and state authorities, noting the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, the summoning of senior officers, and the establishment of investigative mechanisms by both the state government and the NSCDC.
It also recognized parallel interventions by the Nigeria Police Force, a deployed team from the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, the Ministry of Interior, and a directive from the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria mandating full accountability for any abuse, negligence, or dereliction of duty.
While commending the federal government’s response that no citizen should lose their life in custody due to negligence or inhumane treatment, the NBA maintained that the true measure of success will depend entirely on the independence, thoroughness, and transparency of the investigations, followed by uncompromising accountability.
The bar association underscored that critical questions must be addressed, including the scientific cause of death, the conditions of detention, the facility’s population relative to its lawful capacity, the availability of medical attention, and the response of authorities when detainees reportedly showed signs of distress.
The NBA further insisted that disturbing accounts from survivors regarding overcrowding, poor ventilation, and mistreatment must be rigorously investigated without pre-judging any party.