Niger miners tragedy: MURIC demands overhaul of NSCDC operations, compensation for victims

The Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has called on the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, to immediately overhaul the operations of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The organisation also demanded justice and compensation for the families of 37 artisanal miners who died in mysterious circumstances while in NSCDC custody.

MURIC made the demands in a statement signed by its coordinator, Northern States and Abuja, Malam Hassan Sani Indabawa, on Sunday.

DAILY POST recalls that 37 miners died in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

Indabawa, while reacting, described the incident as unfortunate.

He said the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria strictly prohibits the torture of detainees under Section 34(1).

He demanded justice for the deceased, stressing that adequate compensation must be given to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

He also called on the Federal Government to immediately overhaul the operations of the agency to forestall future occurrences.

“On the morning of September 17, 2026, MURIC received with shock the news of the unfortunate death of 37 artisanal miners, largely teenagers, while in a crowded cell at the Minna, Niger State Command of the NSCDC paramilitary force. 

“The suspects were alleged to have been jammed together under severely inhumane conditions, with poor ventilation and excessive heat.

“In view of the above, therefore, MURIC hereby demands justice for the deceased and adequate compensation for their bereaved parents and relatives in order to serve as a lesson to others who abuse power.

“Finally, MURIC calls for the complete overhaul of the operational and custodial practices of the NSCDC nationwide to avert public apathy and distrust of the security agency,” he said.