FG Orders NSCDC Reforms as Probe Confirms Deaths of 33 Detainees, Including 14 Minors

The Federal Government has ordered far-reaching reforms within the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following an investigative report that confirmed the deaths of 33 detainees, including 14 minors, in the corps’ custody in Niger State.
The report, submitted by an Independent Investigative Committee, identified severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, extreme heat, dehydration and failure by officers to respond to repeated distress calls as major factors responsible for the deaths.
The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, received the report on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
The committee was chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure (rtd.), a Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS).
According to the findings, 41 detainees survived the incident, while the investigation also uncovered unlawful detention practices, poor supervision and serious lapses in the handling of the situation.
Describing the incident as tragic and deeply regrettable, Tunji-Ojo assured the families of the deceased that the Federal Government would pursue justice and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
“No officer found culpable will be shielded, regardless of rank or position,” the minister said.
He further directed that officers suspected of concealing or attempting to destroy evidence should be suspended immediately, pending further investigation.
“Those officers who concealed or attempted to destroy evidence must be suspended immediately, pending further investigation. You cannot destroy evidence,” he stated.
The minister disclosed that the report would be forwarded to the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for further judicial action.
He added that the Ministry of Interior would carefully review the recommendations and take appropriate steps to address the identified lapses.
As part of measures to prevent a recurrence, the Federal Government plans to introduce comprehensive reforms within the NSCDC, focusing on improving detention facilities, strengthening oversight mechanisms, enhancing officers’ training and enforcing stricter accountability standards.
The committee recommended the dismissal and prosecution of officers found responsible, where appropriate.
It also proposed ₦1.4 billion in compensation for the families of the deceased, educational support for their dependants, and medical and psychological assistance for survivors and affected families.
A formal government apology to the victims’ families was also recommended.
Tunji-Ojo said the government would study the recommendations before announcing its decisions.
The minister reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to accountability and equal protection of every Nigerian life.
“Mr. President has always said that every life is important, and no Nigerian life is more important than another. This is a President who has built his reputation on accountability. Renewed Hope is about accountability. Justice must not only be done, but must be seen to have been done. That is what this government stands for,” he said.
He thanked President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to justice, while commending members of the investigative committee for their work.
The minister also assured the families of the deceased that the government would not abandon them.