RULAAC demands prosecution of officers involved in deaths of 33 detainees in NSCDC cell
The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called for the prosecution of officers found responsible for the deaths of 33 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
RULAAC also demanded compensation for victims’ families, rehabilitation for survivors and enforceable reforms to prevent further deaths in detention facilities.
In a press statement dated October 29, 2026 and signed by Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, RULAAC said findings from a government investigation identified severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration and failure by officers to respond to repeated distress calls as factors responsible for the deaths.
The investigation reportedly confirmed that 14 of the deceased detainees were children.
According to RULAAC, the committee chairman disclosed that approximately 50 male detainees were confined in a cell measuring only 12 square metres, where they reportedly cried for help and water as conditions deteriorated.
The organisation described the deaths as a serious failure of the state’s responsibility to protect people in its custody, stressing that allegations of involvement in illegal mining did not remove detainees’ rights to life, dignity and humane treatment.
RULAAC extended condolences to the bereaved families and expressed solidarity with survivors, noting that the deaths of children made the incident particularly distressing.
While acknowledging the investigation and the Minister of Interior’s commitment to accountability, the organisation said the government’s response must result in prosecutions where evidence supports them, effective remedies for victims and changes to detention practices.
RULAAC urged the Attorney-General of the Federation to ensure prompt and independent criminal investigations into the incident, including possible responsibility among officers who authorised or supervised the operation, controlled detention conditions or failed to respond to known dangers.
It said disciplinary measures, including suspension, dismissal or transfer, should not replace criminal prosecution where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
The organisation also called for a separate investigation into reports that the cell was allegedly washed, disinfected and renumbered in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.
It urged authorities to secure custody registers, duty rosters, operational instructions, communications, medical records, photographs and burial documentation. It also called for protection for survivors, families and officers willing to provide evidence against possible intimidation.
Demands ₦1.4 billion compensation
The organisation called on the Federal Government to respond promptly to the investigation committee’s recommendations, including ₦1.4 billion in compensation, educational support for dependants, medical and psychological assistance, and a formal government apology.
RULAAC said authorities should establish an accessible process for delivering the remedies and ensure that compensation does not require families to surrender their right to pursue justice.
It added that survivors should receive continuing medical and psychological care, while families who lost caregivers should be provided with practical support.
Seeks nationwide audit of detention facilities
RULAAC further urged the National Human Rights Commission, in collaboration with relevant oversight institutions, to conduct urgent inspections of detention facilities operated by the NSCDC and other agencies exercising custodial powers.
It called for unsafe cells to be taken out of use until necessary corrections are made, while the cases of existing detainees should be reviewed for lawful release or safe transfer.
The proposed inspections should assess occupancy levels, ventilation, sanitation, access to drinking water, medical care, detention records, and access to lawyers and family members.
The organisation also advocated enforceable safeguards, including verified occupancy limits, regular welfare checks, emergency medical procedures and clear responsibilities for officers to respond immediately when detainees show signs of distress.
It stressed that children should undergo age verification and receive appropriate safeguarding, with alternatives to detention considered where applicable.
RULAAC called on the National Assembly to scrutinise the implementation of the investigation’s recommendations and require public reporting on deaths in custody and corrective measures.
