An independent investigation into the deaths of 33 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has uncovered allegations that officers extorted cash and gold dust from arrested miners and failed to properly document seized property.
The committee found that money and minerals allegedly taken from detainees were not properly recorded in the corps’ exhibit register, raising concerns about the handling of property seized during the operation.
The report identified Deputy Superintendent of Corps Abubakar Muhammad Dabban, a profiling officer, in connection with allegations involving missing cash and gold dust.
According to the report, a miner complained that ₦1.35 million was missing from his bag during his arrest and transit. Some survivors identified Dabban as the officer who allegedly intimidated and silenced the miner after he raised the alarm.
The committee also documented survivor allegations that between ₦130,000 and ₦170,000 in cash and gold dust were not accounted for.
The report stated that Dabban denied intimidating detainees or collecting money or gold from them.
However, the committee said the allegations required accountability and further action, and its findings listed extortion and the failure to document exhibits properly among the misconduct attributed to him.
The report stated that Dabban “extorted cash and gold dust from detainees,” while also accusing him of failing to document seized exhibits properly.
It further identified Chief Superintendent of Corps Anerunoye Oluwadare Damilare Sunday, the Head of the Investigation Unit, as having been found in possession of gold dust without proper chain-of-custody documentation or registration.
The committee’s findings raised questions about how property belonging to detainees was handled during the operation and detention.
It recommended investigations by anti-corruption agencies into allegations of extortion and exhibit mismanagement.
The report also found that the NSCDC Niger State Command carried out mass raids against suspected illegal mining activities on September 15 and 16, 2026, without an approved operational order, proper planning or consultation with the relevant mining authorities.
More than 75 people were arrested and detained during the operation, including women and minors. The committee found that adults and children were held in unsuitable conditions and that 33 detainees subsequently died.
The deaths were attributed to acute respiratory failure consistent with environmental asphyxia, with severe overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, heat exposure and dehydration identified as the principal contributing factors.
The committee recommended disciplinary and legal action against officers found culpable, as well as investigations into allegations of extortion and the mishandling of exhibits.
