NLC Demands Accountability Over Death of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The NLC, in a statement signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said the victims died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after they were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on September 15 and 16.
The labour union said it was deeply concerned by the circumstances surrounding the deaths, noting that reports indicated that many of the victims were young people, including minors.
The Federal Government has constituted an independent committee to identify the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths, as well as determine the cause of death.
The NLC welcomed the suspension of officers linked to the incident but stressed that suspension should not replace accountability or justice.
The Congress called for anyone found culpable of unlawful treatment, abuse, negligence or other conduct that contributed to the deaths to face the full weight of the law, in accordance with due process.
Beyond the immediate investigation, the NLC urged the government to address the poverty, unemployment and lack of decent livelihood opportunities it identified as major factors driving people, particularly young people from poor rural communities, into artisanal mining.
The union also called for stronger regulation of artisanal and small-scale mining, improved occupational safety standards and strict enforcement of laws prohibiting hazardous child labour.
It further demanded a comprehensive programme to remove children from dangerous mining activities and provide affected families with access to education, skills development, social protection and alternative sources of livelihood.
The NLC urged the government to involve trade unions, employers’ organisations, community representatives and civil society groups in developing policies for the artisanal mining sector.
According to the Congress, the deaths highlight wider problems in Nigeria’s labour market, including poverty, unemployment, underemployment, precarious work and the growth of vulnerable informal employment.
The NLC said the government must address the root causes of illegal mining rather than focusing only on its symptoms.