A federal government panel investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, has found that they died from suffocation.

Jonathan Kure, chairman of the 10-member independent committee, disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting the panel’s report to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, in Abuja.

The condition, known as asphyxiation, occurs when the body is deprived of sufficient oxygen and can lead to unconsciousness, organ damage or death.

Panel Conducts Autopsies, Interviews Witnesses

Kure said the committee visited the detention facility in Minna, conducted autopsies and collected statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses.

The panel also gathered documentary and forensic evidence as part of its investigation into the incident.

According to Kure, preliminary findings revealed institutional gaps and overzealousness among some officers. He stressed the need for greater professionalism in handling sensitive cases.

FG Ordered Investigation in September

The federal government set up the committee on September 19, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a full and transparent investigation into the deaths.

The investigation came after the NSCDC reported that the suspects had been arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.

Suberu Aniviye, the NSCDC commandant in Niger State, had said scores of detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following a suspected disease outbreak.

Following the deaths, the federal government suspended the state commandant and ordered an investigation. The interior minister also announced the suspension of 21 officers in connection with the incident.

The committee later requested a two-week extension on October 6 to complete its work and submit its report.