NHRC condemns death of miners in NSCDC custody, demands investigation

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) condemned the death of about 37 individuals suspected to be artisanal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. Executive Secretary Professor Tony Ojukwu demanded an independent forensic autopsy and preservation of all evidence, calling for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths that occurred during enforcement operations on September 15 and 16. Ojukwu reminded law enforcement that suspicion of illegal mining does not extinguish citizens' constitutional rights.