Professor Ahmed Audi, Commandant General, NSCDC

By Samuel Ike, Staff Reporter, People’s Security Monitor

A visit by People’s Security Monitor to Minna, the Niger State capital, indicates that the atmosphere of tension, public outrage and apprehension that followed the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is gradually giving way to normal activities, cautious optimism and renewed expectations about the future relationship between residents and the security agency.

Across parts of the ancient city, residents are gradually moving beyond the shock generated by the September 2026 tragedy, although the incident remains a painful reminder of the responsibility security agencies bear towards people in their custody. Conversations surrounding the incident suggest that while many residents strongly regretted what happened, some were willing to give the NSCDC an opportunity to demonstrate that it had learnt important lessons from the unfortunate episode.

Speaking during interactions with our roving reporter, Shuaibu Ibrahim, a resident of Minna, Nda Mohammed, described the incident as regrettable and unacceptable, particularly because those who died were under the protection of a government security institution. He, however, expressed hope that the controversy would lead to meaningful changes in the Corps, insisting that security personnel must understand that the protection of human lives remains their primary responsibility.

Another resident, Kabiru Haruna, said the incident had initially generated considerable apprehension among members of the public, but expressed optimism that the submission of the Federal Government’s investigative panel report would help restore confidence if its recommendations were implemented. According to him, the public expects the NSCDC to demonstrate greater professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights in the discharge of its responsibilities.

For Mu’awiya Ndayako, the tragedy should serve as a serious warning to security agencies against operational recklessness and disregard for established procedures. He maintained that the deaths of the detainees should never be treated as an ordinary administrative incident, adding that the families deserved justice and the survivors adequate support. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence that the Corps could rebuild its public image through responsible leadership and improved conduct.

The concerns expressed by residents followed the deaths of 33 detainees whose circumstances became the subject of a Federal Government investigation. The 10-member committee, chaired by retired Department of State Services Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, submitted its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on 27 October 2026.

Among its major findings, the committee established that overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration contributed to the deaths. It also found that 14 of the deceased were minors, including four children below the age of 14. Approximately 50 male detainees had reportedly been confined in a cell measuring about 12 square metres, raising serious questions about detention management and supervisory failures.

The panel further found that the operation leading to the arrests was conducted without an approved operational order or clearance from the NSCDC national headquarters. It recommended the dismissal of six officers and the prosecution of five personnel, subject to due process. It also proposed approximately ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the bereaved families and surviving detainees, alongside educational, medical and psychosocial support.

For many observers, the submission of the report represents an important stage in addressing the controversy, but the real test lies in implementing its recommendations. Residents want to see accountability, improved detention facilities, better supervision and strict adherence to operational procedures, particularly in sensitive operations involving suspected illegal miners.

The tragedy has also renewed attention to the relationship between the NSCDC and the communities it serves. Public cooperation and intelligence sharing remain essential to effective security operations, but such cooperation depends significantly on citizens’ confidence that their rights and safety will be respected. The Corps must therefore strengthen community engagement and ensure that allegations of misconduct are promptly investigated.

Although the gradual return of normal activities in Minna offers some encouragement, it would be premature to conclude that public confidence has been completely restored. The families of the deceased still deserve justice, survivors require support, and the government must demonstrate that the investigative panel’s recommendations will not be abandoned.

For the NSCDC, the Minna tragedy presents an opportunity for institutional reflection and reform. The willingness of some residents to look beyond the unfortunate incident and hope for a better relationship with the Corps should not be taken for granted. It should instead be regarded as an opportunity to prove that the lessons have been learnt.

Minna may be gradually returning to normalcy, but the enduring restoration of public confidence will depend on whether the NSCDC can translate the painful lessons of the tragedy into improved professionalism, accountability and an unwavering commitment to protecting human lives.