The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has appealed to the United Nations to help investigate the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, as well as the alleged use of lethal force against protesters in Minna.
In an urgent appeal dated Friday, September 18, 2026, SERAP urged four United Nations Special Rapporteurs to urgently intervene over the reported deaths to unr
The Organization called on the UN experts to demand answers from the Nigerian authorities and ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths and the subsequent violence during protests are independently established.
According to the SERAP, the 37 persons were arrested on September 15 and 16 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.
Their deaths were reported on September 17, triggering protests in parts of Minna on September 18.
SERAP said security forces were reportedly accused of using excessive force against protesters, with reports of deaths and serious injuries.
It stressed, however, that the circumstances surrounding both the deaths in custody and the alleged use of force against protesters must be independently investigated.
The organisation urged the UN Special Rapporteurs on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; freedom of peaceful assembly and association; freedom of opinion and expression; and the situation of human rights defenders to press the Nigerian authorities for answers.
SERAP maintained that every death or serious injury occurring in custody should be subjected to prompt, thorough, independent, impartial and transparent investigation, with anyone found responsible for unlawful conduct held accountable.
It also stressed that any loss of life resulting from excessive use of force, where international human rights standards of necessity and proportionality are not observed, would require investigation and appropriate accountability.
The rights group further called on the Nigerian authorities to protect the right to peaceful protest, establish the truth surrounding the deaths, ensure accountability for any unlawful conduct and provide effective remedies for victims and their families.
The development comes amid official investigations into the deaths. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has constituted a committee of inquiry, while the NSCDC Niger State Commandant and other officials have been suspended pending investigation.
President Bola Tinubu has also ordered a full and transparent investigation into the incident, saying the circumstances of the arrests, detention conditions, medical attention provided and events leading to the deaths should be established.
