The Federal Government has confirmed the death of 33 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State and has ordered comprehensive reforms to prevent a recurrence.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mrs Mary Ali, on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the report of the Independent Investigative Committee set up to probe the incident from the Committee Chairman, retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Jonathan Kure.
The report confirmed that 33 persons, including 14 minors, died in detention, while 41 others survived. The Committee attributed the deaths to severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration, as well as the failure of officers to respond to repeated distress calls from detainees.
It also indicted the Corps for unlawful detention practices, poor supervision and serious lapses in handling the incident.
Reacting to the findings, Dr. Tunji-Ojo described the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable, assuring that the Federal Government is determined to secure justice for the deceased and their families.
Mrs Ali quoted the Minister as saying: "No officer found culpable will be shielded, regardless of rank or position. Those officers who concealed or attempted to destroy evidence must be suspended immediately, pending further investigation. You cannot destroy evidence."
The Minister, according to the statement, said the report would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further judicial action, while the Ministry would review and act on its recommendations.
He assured that the Federal Government would implement far-reaching reforms within the NSCDC, including improved detention facilities, stronger oversight, better training and stricter accountability measures.
The Committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers found culpable, payment of N1.4 billion compensation to families of the victims, educational support for dependents of the deceased, medical and psychological support for survivors and affected families, and a formal government apology. The Federal Government, Mrs Ali stated, will study the recommendations and announce its decisions.
The statement added: "Mr. President has always said that every life is important, and no Nigerian life is more important than another. This is a President who has built his reputation on accountability. Renewed Hope is about accountability. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done. That is what this government stands for."
Dr. Tunji-Ojo thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to justice, commended members of the Committee for their dedication, and assured families of the deceased that the Government would not abandon them.
