A committee investigating the deaths of 33 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has recommended N1.4 billion in compensation for bereaved families and survivors.
The Independent Investigation Committee also recommended full educational scholarships for the children of deceased detainees, from primary school through tertiary education.
The committee submitted its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on October 27.
It proposed N30 million for each of the 33 bereaved families, amounting to N990 million, while recommending N10 million each for 41 survivors, totalling N410 million.
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The panel further recommended that the surviving children of the deceased receive full scholarships, with tuition fees and living allowances managed through an institutional trust or escrow arrangement involving the National Human Rights Commission and the Minna Emirate Council.
According to the report, three deceased detainees had pregnant wives at the time of the investigation. They were identified as Mu’awiya Abdulkareem, Safiyanu Abubakar and Suleiman Dantala.
The committee also called for fully funded medical rehabilitation for the 41 survivors, particularly nine minors, alongside psychological support for affected families.
It urged the Minister of Interior to issue a formal apology to the victims’ families and survivors on behalf of the Federal Government.
On the officers involved, the panel recommended lifting the suspension of 18 NSCDC personnel it said were not responsible for the deaths.
It also proposed commendations and protection for four officers whose interventions and testimonies were considered helpful to the investigation.
However, four other officers were recommended for disciplinary action over what the committee described as gross management incompetence.
The panel also called for reforms within the NSCDC, including improved detention facilities, better staff training, stronger supervision and independent inspections.
Among its recommendations was the installation of tamper-proof CCTV cameras in detention cells, booking areas and corridors, with mandatory video-retention measures.
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