37 Miners’ Deaths: FG Panel Finds Institutional Lapses, NSCDC Overzealousness

The Federal Government panel investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has identified institutional lapses and what it described as overzealousness in the handling of the detainees.

Chairman of the panel, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this in the first update on the investigation, saying the findings so far had raised concerns about the conduct of some NSCDC personnel involved in the arrest and detention of the miners.

“There were elements of institutional lapses, elements of overzealousness on the part of officers and men of the Service in their handling of the arrest and detention of the miners.”

Kure, however, stressed that the findings were preliminary and did not represent the panel’s final position.

He said the committee was still assessing evidence and awaiting important forensic and pathology reports required to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine their causes.

The deaths, which occurred in Niger State, triggered public outrage and renewed calls for accountability over the treatment of the detainees while in NSCDC custody.

According to Kure, the panel has gathered documentary and forensic evidence as part of efforts to establish what happened before and during the deaths.

He said the committee had also inspected the facility where the detainees were held and conducted autopsies as part of its investigation.

“Recall that, upon inauguration, our committee was mandated to submit its report within two weeks.”

Kure said the committee had received cooperation from the Federal Ministry of Interior, NSCDC, Niger State Government, Minna Emirate, affected communities and survivors.

He added that the panel had made appreciable progress through the inspection of the custody facility, collection of witness statements and gathering of documentary and forensic evidence.

Witness statements were obtained from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families and other witnesses, according to the panel chairman.

Kure also said the investigation had identified areas where the NSCDC would require additional training and improved professionalism when dealing with cases involving large-scale arrests and detention.

The panel is expected to continue examining the available evidence and await the outstanding forensic and pathology reports before reaching its final conclusions on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.