The Prisoners’ Rehabilitation and Welfare Action (PRAWA) has called for an independent and thorough investigation into the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

PRAWA made the call in a statement issued by its Communications Manager, Nnadozie Onwurah, on Saturday. Onwurah expressed concern over the reported deaths and called for justice and accountability, while extending condolences to the families of the deceased.

The victims were reportedly among persons arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the state on September 15 and 16. Their deaths were reportedly discovered on September 17.

PRAWA said deaths in custody should be treated as a matter of grave public concern, stressing that once a person was arrested and deprived of liberty, the state assumed heightened responsibility for their safety, dignity and well-being.

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“Detention does not extinguish fundamental rights,” Onwurah said. He acknowledged the responsibility of security agencies to enforce the law and protect communities, but stressed that allegations of illegal activity did not diminish the state’s duty to protect the lives and dignity of persons in custody.

According to him, information provided by survivors had raised serious concerns about the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly the alleged conditions at the detention facility. He listed the allegations to include extreme overcrowding, difficulty breathing, inadequate ventilation, severe heat and lack of access to water.

“These allegations require prompt, independent and thorough investigation, and PRAWA welcomes steps already taken by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and other authorities. “We urge that the investigation be independent, transparent and unhindered, and capable of establishing the facts surrounding the deaths,” he said.

Onwurah said the investigation should determine the individual causes and circumstances of the deaths, examine possible state responsibility and identify any systemic failures.

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He added that the findings would help establish whether the incident was isolated or indicative of broader problems within NSCDC detention facilities and other Places of Deprivation of Liberty (PDLs) across the country.

The PRAWA official also referenced the concluding observations of the UN Committee Against Torture on Nigeria, which he said had raised concerns about poor detention conditions, inadequate medical care, insufficient food and water, overcrowding and the lack of reliable information on deaths in custody.

He said the committee had called for all deaths in custody to be promptly, thoroughly and impartially investigated, including through independent forensic examination.

Onwurah further cited the 2026 Global Torture Index, produced by the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), which he said classified Nigeria as being at “High Risk” of torture and ill-treatment.

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He said the Niger incident provided an opportunity to assess compliance with relevant provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, applicable laws and subsidiary legislation, as well as regional and international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory.

PRAWA also called for the protection of witnesses, disclosure of investigation findings, prosecution and appropriate remedies where violations were established. The organisation urged authorities to provide support for affected families and survivors, including access to information and psychosocial assistance while the investigation continued.

“PRAWA also urges authorities to safeguard the rights of survivors and families and ensure that accountability and justice are served if misconduct or negligence is established,” Onwurah said. He added that the findings of the investigation should be used to prevent similar incidents in all Places of Deprivation of Liberty across Nigeria.

PRAWA said it would continue to monitor developments surrounding the incident and the outcome of the investigation. The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a humane and secure society through rehabilitation, access to justice and institutional reforms for inmates, ex-inmates, torture victims and youths at risk.