BREAKING: SERAP urges UN intervention over deaths in NSCDC custody, Minna protests

Crime Diary, News

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on four United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteurs to urgently intervene over the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna.

According to SERAP, the 37 persons were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16, 2026, during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal and artisanal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State before being detained in Minna.

The organisation said the deaths were reported on September 17, prompting protests in Minna on September 18.

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SERAP alleged that security forces used excessive force against protesters, resulting in reported deaths and serious injuries.

It, however, noted that the circumstances surrounding both the deaths in custody and the subsequent use of force against protesters remained to be independently established.

SERAP urged the UN to demand answers from the Nigerian authorities and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 detainees and the reported use of lethal force against protesters were fully established.

The organisation said every death or serious injury in police custody should be promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently and effectively investigated, with perpetrators identified and brought to justice where wrongdoing was established.

SERAP said any loss of life resulting from excessive use of force without strict compliance with international human rights standards, including the principles of necessity and proportionality, would constitute an arbitrary deprivation of life and be unlawful.

It called for urgent international scrutiny of the reported deaths in custody and the subsequent use of lethal force against protesters.

SERAP said Nigerian authorities had a responsibility to establish the truth, protect the right to peaceful protest, ensure accountability for unlawful conduct and provide effective remedies to victims and their families.