SERAP Urges UN to Investigate Miners' Deaths in Custody
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on four United Nations Special Rapporteurs to urgently investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The appeal, dated September 18, 2026, was signed by SERAP's Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare.
The detainees were arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas on September 15 and 16, and they died in custody on September 17.
The NSCDC initially suggested a suspected disease outbreak as the cause but later stated that the cause of death was undetermined and required further medical examination. Protests erupted in Minna on September 18, with reports of clashes between demonstrators and security forces, who allegedly used tear gas and opened fire.
SERAP demanded accountability for security personnel involved and called for an independent investigation into the deaths and the use of force against protesters.
Plus234Feed summary based on reporting from Politics Nigeria. Read the original report below.
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