NSCDC CUSTODY DEATHS: Committee Finds Negligence, Recommends Dismissal Of Responsible Officers

The Federal Government’s Independent Investigative Committee set up to probe the reported deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has found that the deaths resulted from asphyxiation, describing the incident as preventable.

The committee attributed the deaths to negligence and recommended the summary dismissal of officers found primarily responsible for the incident.

Presenting the committee’s findings, the Chairman said the deaths occurred between the 16th and 17th of September.

The committee also established that physical assault and underlying medical conditions were not identified as causes of death.

It further revealed that the operation leading to the arrest of the detainees was conducted without an operational order or approval from the NSCDC National Headquarters.

The Committee’s recommendations are expected to guide further action to ensure accountability and prevent a recurrence.