The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged four United Nations Special Rapporteurs to demand answers from the Nigerian government over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Niger State and the reported use of force against protesters in Minna.
In an urgent appeal dated September 18, 2026 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP called for an independent, impartial, prompt, thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths and the subsequent protests.
The 37 detainees were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested by the NSCDC during operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16. They were found dead at an NSCDC facility in Minna on September 17.
While the NSCDC initially cited a suspected disease outbreak, authorities said medical examinations and investigations were required to determine the actual cause of death. Governor Umaru Bago also confirmed that forensic examinations and autopsies were being conducted, while the state government constituted a committee of inquiry.
The NSCDC has separately launched a probe and suspended its Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, to allow the investigation to proceed. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also ordered a full-scale investigation.
The deaths sparked protests in Minna, where residents and relatives demanded answers. Security forces were deployed as the demonstrations intensified, amid reports of tear gas and allegations of live ammunition being fired. The precise circumstances and type of ammunition used remain under investigation.
“Thirty-seven people went into NSCDC custody. They came out dead. Nigerians deserve to know what happened,” SERAP said.
The organisation asked the UN Special Rapporteurs on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; freedom of peaceful assembly and association; freedom of opinion and expression; and the situation of human rights defenders to communicate with the Nigerian government over the incidents.
SERAP said the investigation should establish the identities and causes of death, the detainees’ conditions, medical care received and whether individual officers or commanders bear responsibility. It also called for the preservation of physical, documentary, digital, medical and forensic evidence.
The group urged authorities to protect protesters, journalists, lawyers, human rights defenders, witnesses and relatives of victims from intimidation, arbitrary arrest or reprisals, while ensuring accountability and compensation where unlawful conduct is established.
“The answer to deaths in custody cannot be more deaths on the streets,” the organisation said.
SERAP also asked the UN experts to seek details of the legal basis for the arrests and detention, as well as the number of protesters killed or injured and the circumstances surrounding the reported use of force.
The appeal comes as tension remains high in Minna, with the Niger State Government imposing a 24-hour curfew and declaring three days of mourning for the deceased.
SERAP said the priority should be to establish what happened to the detainees and determine whether the response to the protests complied with Nigerian law and international human rights standards.
