By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja.
The Federal Government’s Independent Investigative Committee has recommended ₦1.4 billion in compensation for families of 33 detainees who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, alongside the dismissal and prosecution of officers found culpable in the incident.
The committee also recommended educational support for the deceased’s dependants, medical and psychological assistance for survivors and affected families, and a formal government apology.
The Federal Government said it would study the recommendations and announce its decisions.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the committee’s report on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja.
The committee was chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Jonathan Kure.
According to the report, 33 detainees died, including 14 minors, while 41 others survived the incident.
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 identified unlawful detention practices, poor supervision and serious lapses in the handling of the incident.
Describing the deaths as tragic and deeply regrettable, Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government was determined to ensure justice for the victims and their families.
“No officer found culpable will be shielded, regardless of rank or position,” the minister declared.
He further directed that officers suspected of concealing or attempting to destroy evidence should be suspended immediately, pending further investigation.
“You cannot destroy evidence,” he warned.
The minister disclosed that 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 of Interior would review the recommendations for appropriate implementation.
He also assured Nigerians that the government would introduce far-reaching reforms within the NSCDC to prevent a recurrence of the incident.
The proposed reforms include improved detention facilities, stronger oversight mechanisms, enhanced training for officers and stricter accountability measures.
Tunji-Ojo reiterated the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to protecting every Nigerian life and ensuring accountability in public institutions.
“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,” he said.
The minister thanked President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to justice, while commending members of the investigative committee for their work.
He also assured the families of the deceased that the government would not abandon them.
The committee’s recommendations now await the Federal Government’s review and decisions, including possible disciplinary measures, criminal prosecution, compensation and institutional reforms aimed at strengthening the protection of detainees in government custody.
