A Federal Government investigative panel has confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died from asphyxiation while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, describing the deaths as preventable.

The chairman of the Independent Investigative Committee and former Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja.

Kure said the committee recommended ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the families of 33 victims and 44 survivors affected by the incident.

He described the circumstances surrounding the deaths as disturbing, revealing that the victims, including 14 minors, were subjected to inhuman conditions while in detention.

The panel also recommended the summary dismissal of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and other officers found to have been directly involved in the detention of the miners and the circumstances that led to their deaths.

Beyond disciplinary measures, the committee called for comprehensive institutional reforms within the corps to strengthen leadership, promote accountability and prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.

Receiving the report, Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would implement the recommendations to ensure justice for the deceased and other persons affected by the incident.

The minister also directed the immediate suspension of officers accused of cleaning up the detention facility in an alleged attempt to destroy evidence connected to the deaths.

The findings mark a significant development in the investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred on September 17, 2026, while the victims were being held by the NSCDC Niger State Command in Minna.

The deceased were among dozens of people arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.

The panel’s recommendations have placed the spotlight on the accountability of security officials, the payment of compensation to affected families and the urgent need to reform detention procedures.

The implementation of the recommendations will now be critical in determining whether those found culpable face appropriate sanctions and whether measures are introduced to prevent further deaths in custody.