Suspended Niger NSCDC Commandant Carried Out Minna Raid Without Headquarters Approval

The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) conducted the operation that led to the deaths of miners in custody without approval from the agency’s National Headquarters, a ministerial panel of inquiry has revealed.

The panel, set up by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Interior, submitted its detailed report to Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on Tuesday.

The panel, chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, disclosed that the raids were conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026, following complaints about suspected illegal mining activities around the Mi-Washishi axis of Niger State.

However, the panel’s executive summary established that the operation was conducted without adequate planning, proper research, intelligence gathering or consultation with relevant mining authorities. The specialized mining marshals unit specially trained to handle operations relating to mining was not involved.

According to the report, the now-suspended commandant acted on his “discretional instinct,” totally flouting the guidelines and rulebook governing operational functions, particularly regarding arrests of such magnitude.

The operation was undertaken without an approved operational order and without the guidance of the National Headquarters. The committee further established that the mining sites targeted during the raids were actually licensed and operated by Ozan Consul and Services Limited and Prince Air Resources Limited.

During its investigation, the panel found that approximately 50 male detainees were confined in a cell measuring about 20 square metres, despite the facility’s inadequate ventilation and limited capacity.

The committee established that some detainees had been held beyond lawful detention periods, including one Emmanuel Emeka, who had been detained in connection with a civil debt dispute.

The report also faulted the detention of minors alongside adults, describing the conditions as inconsistent with constitutional safeguards, the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, the Child Rights Act and accepted detention standards.

The committee concluded that the unlawful detention conditions, severe overcrowding and failure of officers to respond to repeated distress calls contributed to the deaths of 33 detainees between September 16 and 17, 2026.

Medical and forensic experts who reviewed evidence indicated that the fatalities resulted from acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia, aggravated by overcrowding, extreme heat, poor ventilation and dehydration.

The investigation found that detainees repeatedly banged on cell doors and walls, shouted for assistance and pleaded for water as conditions deteriorated during the night. However, officers responsible for their welfare allegedly failed to provide timely intervention.

The committee concluded that the incident was a “preventable custodial tragedy” caused by severe overcrowding, unlawful and unsuitable detention conditions, failure of duty of care, disregard of repeated distress warnings, inadequate supervision and wider systemic deficiencies.

The panel recommended the dismissal of officers found principally responsible and prosecution for offences including murder, criminal negligence, torture and inhuman treatment where applicable.

It also called for a comprehensive review of operational approval procedures, intelligence gathering, supervision, and coordination with relevant mining authorities. The committee emphasized that strict compliance with operational procedures and detention standards is essential to prevent security operations from resulting in further loss of life.