33 Detainees Dead in NSCDC Custody: FG Considers ₦1.4bn Compensation, Prosecution of Officers
The Federal Government is considering recommendations for ₦1.4 billion in compensation to families of 33 detainees who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following the submission of an investigative report into the incident.
The report also recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers found responsible, where appropriate, as well as educational assistance for the deceased’s dependants and medical and psychological support for survivors and affected families.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the report on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Abuja from an Independent Investigative Committee chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure (rtd.), a Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services.
The committee confirmed that 33 detainees died in the incident, including 14 minors, while 41 others survived.
Its findings attributed the deaths to severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration. The committee also faulted officers for allegedly failing to respond to repeated distress calls from detainees.
Other issues identified in the report included unlawful detention practices, inadequate supervision and serious failures in the management of the incident.
Reacting to the findings, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable, insisting that the government would ensure justice for the victims and their families.
He warned that no officer implicated in the incident would be protected because of rank or position.
“No officer found culpable will be shielded, regardless of rank or position,” the minister declared.
Tunji-Ojo also called for the immediate suspension of officers suspected of concealing or attempting to destroy evidence while investigations continue.
“Those officers who concealed or attempted to destroy evidence must be suspended immediately, pending further investigation. You cannot destroy evidence,” he said.
The minister disclosed that the report would be sent to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further judicial action.
He added that the Ministry of Interior would examine the committee’s recommendations before determining the appropriate measures to be implemented.
Beyond accountability for the incident, the Federal Government plans to undertake major reforms within the NSCDC to address weaknesses in its detention system.
The proposed reforms include upgrading detention facilities, strengthening monitoring and supervision, improving personnel training and introducing stricter accountability measures.
The committee also recommended that the government issue a formal apology to the families of the deceased.
According to the minister, the government would carefully consider all the recommendations and communicate its decisions in due course.
He linked the administration’s response to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to accountability, stressing that every Nigerian life deserved equal protection.
“Mr. President has always said that every life is important, and no Nigerian life is more important than another,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He added that the principle of accountability remained central to the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done. That is what this government stands for,” he stated.
The minister thanked President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to justice and commended the committee for its investigation.
He further assured the victims’ families that the Federal Government would not abandon them as it considered the next steps following the report.
The government’s final decisions on compensation, disciplinary action and the proposed reforms are expected after its review of the committee’s recommendations.
