The Centre for Rights, Environmental Advocacy and Protection (CREAP) Africa Initiative has called for a full, independent and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 persons who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State following their arrest over alleged illegal mining activities.
The rights group expressed deep concern over the incident, describing the loss of lives in state custody as a matter of grave public importance that requires urgent action and accountability.
In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its Executive Director, Sylvanus Udoenoh, CREAP Africa extended condolences to the families of the deceased and stressed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established through credible and impartial investigations.
According to the organisation, conflicting reports about the incident—including suggestions of a possible disease outbreak and accounts from survivors alleging severe overcrowding and poor ventilation—underscore the need for an independent inquiry.
The group noted that regardless of the allegations against the detainees, every person in custody is entitled to humane treatment, dignity, due process and protection of life.
“Detention does not strip anyone of their fundamental rights. The State assumes a heightened duty of care when it takes a person into custody,” the statement said.
CREAP Africa called on investigators to determine the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the deceased, establish the actual cause of each death, assess conditions at the detention facility, and ascertain whether custodial standards, medical screening procedures and detention regulations were followed.
The organisation also urged investigators to examine allegations of extortion, mistreatment and denial of basic necessities raised by relatives and survivors, as well as identify any officer or official who may have breached established procedures.
It further demanded that any individual found culpable, regardless of rank or position, should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
While acknowledging reports that some officials had been suspended in connection with the incident, the group insisted that administrative actions should not replace legal accountability.
“The suspension of officials is an important administrative step, but suspension must not become a substitute for accountability,” the statement added.
CREAP Africa also condemned the violence that erupted in the aftermath of the deaths, including attacks on property, arson and destruction of businesses and vehicles.
The organisation said citizens have a constitutional right to seek answers, express grief and protest peacefully, but warned that violence against innocent persons and destruction of property cannot be justified.
At the same time, it called for scrutiny of reports alleging the use of tear gas and live ammunition by security personnel during protests, insisting that any claim of excessive or unlawful use of force should be independently investigated.
“The protection of citizens cannot mean protecting citizens from one another while exposing them to unlawful state action,” the group stated.
The organisation urged residents of Niger State to remain calm and reject further violence, while calling on community leaders, religious leaders, youth groups and civil society organisations to promote peaceful engagement and prevent the crisis from escalating.
CREAP Africa also appealed to the Niger State Government to ensure that any public safety measures adopted in response to the unrest remain lawful, proportionate and time-bound.
The group further called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Interior, NSCDC leadership and relevant oversight institutions to ensure an independent investigation, publish the findings, establish accountability, preserve evidence, support affected families and review custodial practices across law enforcement agencies.
According to the organisation, the tragedy should serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in detention conditions, arrest procedures and accountability mechanisms within the NSCDC and other security institutions.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by illegal mining, CREAP Africa maintained that efforts to combat the menace must be carried out within the confines of the law and respect for human rights.
Udoenoh said the deaths had left families grieving and raised serious questions that demand answers.
“Thirty-seven lives have been lost in circumstances that have left families grieving and a nation demanding answers. Nigerians deserve the truth, the families deserve justice, and anyone found responsible must be held accountable,” he said.
He added that the tragedy should mark a turning point in strengthening custodial safeguards, improving law enforcement accountability and deepening respect for human rights in Nigeria.