CISLAC Demands Independent Probe into Miners' Deaths

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), the Nigerian chapter of Transparency International, condemned the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. These individuals were arrested during NSCDC operations targeting illegal mining activities in the M.I.

Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16, 2026. Their deaths were discovered on September 17.

CISLAC, through its Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, expressed condolences to the victims' families and called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident. The organization highlighted that allegations of illegal mining do not justify endangering lives in state custody.

While acknowledging the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers, CISLAC insisted that the investigation must be independent and transparent to ensure accountability. The organization also pointed out systemic issues fueling illegal mining and called for broader regulatory reviews to protect vulnerable communities.