Police Take Over NSCDC Office In Niger Over De∆ths Of 37 Detainees

Police Take Over NSCDC Office In Niger Over Deaths Of 37 Detainees

The Nigeria Police Force has taken over the office of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State as investigations begin into the deaths of 37 suspected artisanal miners in custody.

The development follows a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, for the commencement of an investigation into the deaths.

The 37 men reportedly died on September 17 while in NSCDC custody in Minna after they were arrested in the Wushishi-Lukoto axis over alleged illegal mining.

The police takeover of the NSCDC facility is expected to facilitate the investigation and secure relevant evidence as authorities seek to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The incident has sparked calls for an independent and transparent investigation, with rights advocate Austin Aigbe demanding accountability and justice for the victims and their families.