MINNA — Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has confirmed the tragic death of 37 individuals held in custody at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) facility in Minna, appealing to grieving families and the public to maintain peace while a high-level inquiry gets underway.
Addressing state stakeholders and security officials on Friday, September 18, 2026, Governor Bago expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives, describing the incident as a severe humanitarian crisis that demands complete transparency and rapid institutional accountability.
While preliminary security reports suggest overcrowding and severe medical distress as contributing factors, the state government has immediately dispatched a joint medical and forensic panel to investigate the precise timeline and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Key Operational Updates & State Response
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Official Confirmation: Governor Bago formally verified that 37 bodies were recovered from the NSCDC custodial unit, assuring the public that no detail will be shielded from the official probe.
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Multi-Agency Investigative Panel: The Niger State Government, in coordination with the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC National Headquarters, has constituted an independent investigative committee comprising medical personnel, civil society representatives, and legal practitioners.
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Appeal for Public Calm: Cautioning against violent protests or civil unrest, Governor Bago appealed to youth groups and affected families in Minna to allow law enforcement and medical auditors to complete their findings.
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Immediate Systemic Reforms: The Governor ordered an urgent audit of all detention facilities across Niger State, mandating immediate medical evaluations and decongestion protocols to prevent a recurrence of custodial fatalities.
