The Revolutionary Socialist Movement has demanded compensation for the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
The group also called for a full, transparent and independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
In a statement signed by its publicity secretary, Salako Kayode, the RSM expressed concern over the incident and called for accountability for anyone found responsible.
The suspects were reportedly arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16, 2026, and detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. Their deaths were discovered on September 17.
The RSM said the actual cause of the deaths had not been established, noting that possible factors being investigated included overcrowding, suffocation and exposure to hazardous substances linked to mining activities.
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The group also noted that the NSCDC had initially mentioned a suspected disease outbreak, stressing that the definitive cause of death remained subject to investigation.
According to the RSM, the Niger State governor had disclosed that 67 people were reportedly held in the cell before 37 of them died.
The group said authorities must investigate the conditions under which the suspects were detained, the medical care they received and events leading to their deaths.
It also demanded that detention records, CCTV footage, medical records, duty logs and other relevant evidence be preserved and made available to investigators.
The RSM further called for accountability for any officer or public official found responsible through negligence, misconduct, abuse of authority or other unlawful conduct.
It demanded justice and appropriate compensation for the families of the deceased, while urging authorities to properly inform them about what happened to their loved ones.
The group acknowledged the Federal Government’s reported decision to establish an independent 10-member investigative committee and suspend the NSCDC Niger State Commandant and other officers pending the investigation.
However, it said the investigation must be genuinely independent and its findings made public.
The RSM also called on authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable faces the appropriate legal consequences, while extending condolences to the families and communities affected by the deaths.
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