League of Northern Democrats Demands Justice Following Deaths of 37 Detainees in NSCDC Custody

League of Northern Democrats Demands Justice Following Deaths of 37 Detainees in NSCDC Custody

The League of Northern Democrats (LND) has issued a press release expressing profound grief and demanding immediate accountability following the deaths of 37 Nigerians in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The press statement, dated September 19, 2026, and signed by Dr. Ladan Salihu, the National Publicity Secretary of the LND, addresses the alarming circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of life.

• The Incident: The 37 victims were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the Wushishi-Lukoto areas of Niger State between September 15 and 16, 2026. They were reported dead in detention on September 17.
• Conflicting Reports: While the NSCDC initial reports attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, survivor accounts and an AFP-cited intelligence report pointed to severe overcrowding and insufficient ventilation in the facility.
• Victim Demographics: Citing statements from the Niger State Governor, the release highlighted that many of the deceased were minors and young people aged between 14 and 18 years old.
• Government Response: The LND acknowledged and commended the Federal Government’s prompt setup of a 10-member independent investigative committee and the suspension of security officers connected to the incident pending inquiry outcomes.

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LND’s 8-Point Demand to the Federal Government

In the official statement, the LND stressed that arrest and detention must never amount to a death sentence, insisting that suspects are entitled to human dignity and due process. To ensure the investigation does not turn into a “mere administrative exercise,” the organization outlined eight explicit demands:

1. Independent Investigation: Guarantee a fully transparent investigation unhindered by institutional interference.
2. Timeline & Cause Determination: Establish a detailed account from the point of arrest through detention to pinpoint exact factors (such as medical negligence, overcrowding, poor ventilation, or abuse).
3. Evidence Preservation: Secure all critical evidence including detention logs, duty rosters, CCTV footage, and medical records.
4. Victim Identification & Family Notification: Ensure every victim is formally identified and their families are fully briefed.
5. Prosecution & Compensation: Prosecute any culpable parties regardless of rank and provide proper compensation where liability is proven.
6. Facility & Procedure Reviews: Overhaul detention facilities and operational protocols across the NSCDC and other security institutions to avoid future custody fatalities.
7. Root Cause Engagement: Tackle the socio-economic drivers behind minor involvement in hazardous mining operations through education, employment opportunities, and strict regulation.
8. Human Rights Adherence: Ensure all law enforcement operations and anti-crime operations remain grounded in human rights and the rule of law.

Broader Appeal and Call for Calm

The organization urged the general public and affected communities to refrain from violence, property destruction, or retaliation, stressing that calm and adherence to legal processes are essential to achieving justice.

Furthermore, the group urged the government to directly address systemic issues driving young people into dangerous informal mining—namely poverty, child labor, unemployment, and lack of educational opportunities.

“The lives of these 37 Nigerians must not become another statistic. The truth must be established. Responsibility must be determined. Justice must be served. Government custody must mean protection, not peril.” — Dr. Ladan Salihu, LND National Publicity Secretary