Niger Deaths: Panel Suggests Scholarships for Victims' Kids and N1.4bn Compensation

The committee that looked into the deaths of 33 detainees in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Niger State has made some strong recommendations. They suggested full educational scholarships for the children of those who died and N1.4 billion in compensation for the families and survivors.

On 27 October, the Independent Investigation Committee submitted its report to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. They proposed giving N30 million to each of the 33 bereaved families, which totals N990 million, and N10 million for each of the 41 survivors, adding up to N410 million.

The committee also recommended that surviving children of the deceased get full educational scholarships from primary school to university.

They suggested that the payment of tuition and living expenses be managed through a trust or escrow system involving the National Human Rights Commission and the Minna Emirate Council. This plan aims to prevent any misuse of funds and to avoid family disputes.

The report highlighted three deceased detainees whose wives were pregnant during the investigation. They are Mu’awiya Abdulkareem, Safiyanu Abubakar, and Suleiman Dantala.

The committee recommended fully funded medical rehabilitation for all 41 survivors. They said the nine minors among them should get priority treatment. They also called for emotional and psychological support for survivors and families who lost loved ones.

The committee urged the Minister of Interior to send a formal apology to the affected families and survivors on behalf of the Federal Government.

They also suggested lifting the suspension of 18 NSCDC officers who were not found responsible for the deaths. This list included three deputy commandants: Philips Ajayi, John Agrahau Chagwa, and Obafemi Elvis.

Others on the list are Stephen Tsado, an assistant commandant; Abdullahi Sale, an inspector; and Annas Lamino Shittu, a chief superintendent.

The committee recommended that four officers, who provided helpful interventions and testimonies, be formally commended and protected as key witnesses. These officers are Ahmed Abubakar Wushishi, Mohammed Isah Sanusi, Mariam Eteng Nelson, and Annas Lamino Shittu.

They also called for disciplinary actions against four other officers for what they described as serious management failures.

Beyond compensation, the panel asked for a major reform of the NSCDC. They want better detention facilities, staff training, improved supervision, and independent inspections of operations.

They suggested installing tamper-proof, cloud-connected CCTV cameras in cell blocks, booking areas, and corridors. They also want mandatory video retention protocols.

Finally, the committee urged the federal government to help with the formalization of artisanal mining. They suggested creating a forum that includes the NSCDC, miners' associations, traditional councils, and local governments to tackle challenges in the mining sector.