SERAP writes UN, calls for immediate probe of 37 deaths in NSCDC custody

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on the four United Nations Special Rapporteurs to investigate the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna.

According to SERAP, the 37 persons were reportedly arrested on 15 and 16 September 2026 during NSCDC operations targeting suspected illegal/artisanal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State and subsequently detained in Minna.

The human rights group said in a statement that their deaths were reported on 17 September, prompting protests in Minna on 18 September. Security forces reportedly used excessive force against protesters, resulting in reported deaths and serious injuries.

SERAP called for the circumstances surrounding both the deaths in custody and the subsequent use of force remain to be independently established.

In an urgent appeal dated 18 September 2026 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “The UN should demand answers from the Nigerian authorities and ensure that the truth about the deaths of the 37 persons in NSCDC custody and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna is established.”

SERAP said: “Every death or serious injury in police custody ought to be promptly, thoroughly, independently, impartially, transparently, and effectively investigated, and perpetrators identified and brought to justice. Any loss of life that results from the excessive use of force without strict compliance with the international human rights standards, including necessity and proportionality is an arbitrary deprivation of life and therefore illegal.”

According to SERAP, “The reported deaths in custody and the subsequent use of lethal force against protesters require urgent international scrutiny. The Nigerian authorities have a responsibility to establish the truth, protect the right to peaceful protest, ensure accountability for unlawful conduct and provide effective remedies to victims and their families.”

SERAP also said: “The UN special rapporteurs should urgently demand that the Nigerian authorities establish the truth about the deaths of the 37 persons in NSCDC custody and the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna, and ensure accountability and justice for any unlawful conduct.”

The urgent appeal, addressed to the UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions; Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and association; Special Rapporteur on freedom of opinion and expression; and Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, and with reference number: 2s3wtdb5, in part: “It is important to establish responsibility, ensure accountability and effective remedies to victims and their families.”

“Thirty-seven people went into NSCDC custody. They came out dead. Nigerians deserve to know what happened.”

“SERAP is therefore calling for an investigation that is independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective and transparent, capable of establishing the identities of all 37 deceased persons, the circumstances and causes of their deaths, the conditions in which they were detained, the medical care provided, and the responsibility of individual officers and commanders.”

“Following the deaths, protesters took to the streets of Minna. Security forces reportedly deployed tear gas and opened fire as demonstrations continued. There are reports that security forces responded with live ammunition, while other reporting said the precise type of ammunition used was not immediately established.”

“The answer to deaths in custody cannot be more deaths on the streets.”

“In a 2022 communication to the Nigerian Government concerning the #EndSARS protests, UN Special Procedures mandate holders stated: ‘We are troubled by the reported use of lethal force against unarmed protesters.’”

“They further reminded the Nigerian Government that: ‘any loss of life that results from the excessive use of force without strict compliance with the principles of necessity and proportionality is an arbitrary deprivation of life and therefore illegal.’”

SERAP is therefore urging the UN special rapporteurs to:

1. Urgently communicate with the Nigerian Government concerning the reported deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody and the reported killing and shooting of protesters in Minna, and request detailed information on the circumstances and causes of the deaths, the treatment and conditions of detention, the legal basis for the arrests and detention, and the number and status of protesters killed or injured.
2. Call on the Nigerian authorities to ensure an independent, impartial, prompt, thorough, effective and transparent investigation into the deaths in custody and the reported use of lethal force against protesters, conducted by a body independent of any security agency implicated in the alleged violations, with the findings made public.
3. Urge the authorities to immediately preserve all relevant evidence, including physical, documentary, digital, medical and forensic evidence, and ensure that families of those who died or were injured have timely access to relevant information concerning the investigations.
4. Call for accountability and effective remedies, including ensuring that security personnel reasonably suspected of unlawful killings, excessive use of force or other violations are held accountable in accordance with due process, and that victims and their families receive effective remedies, including compensation and other appropriate forms of reparation where violations are established.
5. Urge the Nigerian Government to protect protesters, journalists, human rights defenders, lawyers, witnesses and relatives of victims from intimidation, harassment, arbitrary arrest and reprisals, and ensure that future policing of demonstrations complies with the principles of legality, necessity and proportionality, including strict adherence to international standards governing the use of firearms.
6. Request information on measures to prevent recurrence, including appropriate training, operational rules, command accountability and independent oversight of the NSCDC and other law enforcement agencies, and consider any further appropriate action within the Special Procedures’ mandates, including additional communication with the Nigerian Government and coordination with other relevant UN human rights mechanisms.