The Youths and Environmental Advocacy Centre (YEAC-Nigeria) has called for an immediate, independent and transparent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The organisation also demanded the prosecution of any officers found responsible for the deaths.
In a statement issued on Friday, September 19, 2026, and signed by its Executive Director, Dr Fyneface Dumnamene Fyneface, YEAC-Nigeria said the victims were among persons arrested and detained on September 15 and 16 during operations targeting suspected illegal and artisanal miners in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state.
According to the organisation, most of the deceased were children and young adults reportedly aged between 14 and 18.
The deaths were reported on September 17, allegedly following poor ventilation in the detention facility.
The incident reportedly sparked protests in Minna on September 18, during which security forces were alleged to have used teargas and live ammunition.
YEAC-Nigeria urged authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any breaches of law or human rights occurred.
The organisation also drew parallels between the Niger State incident and the reported deaths of more than 37 persons allegedly involved in illegal tapping of Indorama’s fuel-related product, Crack C5, in Okrika, Rivers State, less than three weeks earlier.
It expressed concern over what it described as a possible connection between the two incidents, both of which involved alleged illegal resource extraction activities.
YEAC-Nigeria commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering an investigation into the Niger State deaths, the Minister of Interior for suspending the NSCDC State Commandant, and the Niger State Government for declaring three days of mourning and suspending political activities.
The organisation, however, criticised what it described as the absence of a similar public response to the reported deaths in Rivers State.
YEAC-Nigeria called on the Federal Government, National Human Rights Commission, Office of the National Security Adviser and the NSCDC Commandant-General to ensure justice and accountability.
It also urged the authorities to introduce urgent reforms in detention facilities and crowd-control practices in Niger State and across the country.
