37 Miners Die In NSCDC Custody: Experts Demand Urgent Detention Reform To Avert Another Tragedy
The death of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State, has triggered strong calls from security experts, geologists, and labour unions for a complete overhaul of detention facilities, mass safety awareness, and stronger protection for miners.
1. Ex-Police Chief, Security Expert Demand Cell Overhaul
Former police commissioner Lawrence Alobi has called for a coroner’s inquest to establish the actual cause of death of the 37 suspected illegal miners and determine criminal and civil liability.
Alobi said speculation must not replace proper investigation and called for closer supervision of detention facilities. He said officers in charge must regularly inspect cells to ensure detainees are not overcrowded, held for excessive periods or subjected to unhealthy conditions.
“Suspects remain human beings with fundamental rights, including the right to life and humane treatment, regardless of the offences they are accused of,” Alobi said, noting that reports that detainees knocked on the cell door without receiving timely attention raises serious questions about the guards on duty.
He urged security agencies to strengthen training and supervision, saying commanders must take responsibility for the welfare and safety of people in their custody.
Another security expert, Captain Udoedeghe Essiret, called on heads of security agencies to conduct regular, unannounced inspections of detention facilities. He also urged the installation of CCTV cameras in all detention cells to improve monitoring and accountability.
Essiret described the incident as deeply painful and traumatizing, saying Nigeria has lost young lives that should have been protected.
2. Expert Calls For Greater Awareness
A geologist and former president of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society, NMGS, Prof. Olatunji Akinade, described the continued loss of lives in mining activities as unfortunate, blaming it on poverty, ignorance and pursuit of short-term economic gains.
Akinade of the University of Ibadan said despite government enlightenment campaigns, some individuals still expose themselves to serious risks at mine sites.
“It’s unfortunate that in spite of all the enlightenment by government at a state level, individuals should contribute to risk their lives at mine sites. And unfortunately, we are recording this kind of catastrophic event, which is not good at all,” he said.
He said increased public awareness and sensitization remain critical to reducing mining-related deaths and advocated the involvement of traditional rulers and religious leaders in educating mining communities.
“We cannot, because of money, go and lose our lives. We encourage people to engage. Engagement must not stop,” he added.
3. Union Raises Safety Concerns
Beyond the deaths in detention, the National Union of Mine Workers, NUMW, has raised alarm over the growing number of mining-related fatalities across the country.
NUMW President, Comrade Hamza Muhammed, attributed the problem to poverty, weak enforcement of safety regulations and activities of unregistered miners.
Speaking on recent incidents in Taraba, Niger and Kogi states, Muhammed recalled that about 50 people were killed in one mining-site collapse in Kogi, while two other incidents claimed two and three lives respectively.
He said the union had visited affected communities and warned residents against entering unstable pits, especially during the rainy season.
“Some of them are inside with the union. Some of them are not registered. But our concern is for human life,” he said.
He lamented that some mining companies restrict union access or discourage workers from joining organized labour, making it difficult to identify workers and advocate for their safety. Workers who attempt to organize, he said, sometimes risk losing their jobs.
The union called for stronger enforcement of mining and labour regulations, improved collaboration between government and workers’ representatives, and greater protection for miners seeking to organize.
“Government cannot cover everywhere,” Muhammed said, calling for urgent implementation of agreements already reached with the ILO and Ministry of Labour on unionisation and child labour.
