Thirty-seven people die inside custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), a paramilitary agency, for Minna, the Niger State capital, and the deaths don spark protests as Nigerians demand accountability. The NSCDC raid suspected illegal mining sites on 15 September and detain between 65 and 67 people, including women and children.
Relatives wey try secure their release reportedly been asked to pay bail of up to 500,000 naira, about US$377 per person, even though authorities never formally charge the detainees. Survivors say NSCDC hold around 62 men inside one room wey no get good ventilation, room meant for fewer than 10 people.
For night of 16 September, the detainees become dehydrated and call for water, survivors talk. Instead of helping, officials spray a substance inside the room, and many detainees become distressed and collapse. Thirty-seven die, while others survive by locking themselves inside toilet or staying near the door.
NSCDC attribute the deaths to disease outbreak, but survivors and CIVICUS findings point to overcrowding, poor detention conditions and failure to follow proper raid and detention procedures. The deaths cause public anger, and protests start to demand accountability.
In late September, residents of Borgu, one district for Niger State, protest to demand rescue of hundreds of people wey armed groups abduct in August. Days before, protests also erupt for Minna after the custody deaths. The governor impose 24-hour curfew, and security forces respond with gunfire and teargas. The protests increase pressure on authorities to protect communities and hold security forces accountable for abuses.
Borgu don face repeated attacks by armed groups for wider Kainji corridor, including suspected members of Lakurawa armed group. On 21 August, gunmen attack several communities and a mosque during Friday prayers, abduct dozens of worshippers. They behead around 30 community elders.
CIVICUS discuss the protests over insecurity and the deaths in custody with Mathew Oladele, director of Initiative for Social Development in Africa. The civil society organisation works to empower communities through transparent governance and social justice for Nigeria and across Africa.
Nigeria dey face fragmented security crisis, with different forms of violence across six geopolitical zones. For northeast, Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province continue their insurgency. Armed banditry, kidnappings and attacks on rural communities affect other northern regions. Separatist tensions and unrest disrupt daily life for southeast, while for south, the oil-rich Niger Delta face piracy, gang violence and illegal oil bunkering.
The military, police and other security forces don weaken some armed groups, but violence remain widespread. Communities still face killings, kidnappings and displacement, and insecurity dey disturb agriculture, trade and other economic activities.
