The CREAP Africa Initiative has urged for a thorough and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 individuals who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. According to reports, the deceased were arrested for alleged illegal mining activities. Executive Director of CREAP Africa Initiative, Sylvanus Udoenoh, expressed concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, citing conflicting accounts of the possible causes.
Udoenoh stated that while an initial report suggested a possible disease outbreak, survivors attributed the deaths to severe overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility. He called for a credible investigation to establish the actual cause and manner of each death, as well as the conditions under which the detainees were held. The investigation should determine whether detention procedures, medical screening, and custodial standards were followed.
The CREAP Africa Initiative also urged authorities to investigate allegations of extortion, mistreatment, and denial of basic necessities made by relatives and survivors. They demanded that the chain of command responsible for decisions concerning the detention facility be established. Furthermore, the group called for those responsible for any breaches of established procedures to face prosecution, irrespective of rank or position.
The organisation condemned the violence that followed the deaths, stating that while citizens have the right to demand answers and seek accountability, destruction of property and attacks on innocent residents cannot be justified as legitimate protest. CREAP also called for an independent investigation into reports that security personnel used tear gas and live rounds during the protests.
Udoenoh emphasised that the protection of citizens cannot mean protecting them from one another while exposing them to unlawful state action. CREAP urged the Niger State Government to ensure that any restrictions imposed in response to the unrest were lawful, necessary, proportionate, and time-bound. The group also called on the Federal Government, Ministry of Interior, NSCDC leadership, and relevant oversight bodies to preserve evidence relating to the incident.
The CREAP Africa Initiative demanded support and timely information for the families of the deceased, individual accountability for anyone found culpable, and a broader review of custodial practices within the NSCDC and other law-enforcement institutions. While acknowledging the need for authorities to tackle illegal mining, CREAP stressed that enforcement must be conducted within the framework of the law.
The Niger State tragedy should serve as a turning point for stronger custodial safeguards, accountable law enforcement, and greater respect for human rights. The group said that the suspension of officials was an important administrative step but should not substitute for accountability.
Key points
- The CREAP Africa Initiative demands an independent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody.
- The group calls for those responsible for any breaches of established procedures to face prosecution.
- The organisation urges a broader review of custodial practices within the NSCDC and other law-enforcement institutions.
