The Youth Arise Movement (YAM) has called for an urgent and independent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Convener of YAM, Comrade Ademola Babatunde, made the call in a statement, saying the reported deaths of the suspects in detention before the allegations against them could be fully investigated raised questions that required urgent and credible answers.

The movement urged the Federal Government to establish an independent investigative mechanism to determine what happened, including the circumstances surrounding the arrests, conditions of detention, medical and welfare arrangements available to the suspects, as well as the immediate and underlying causes of their deaths.

It also called on the government to consider involving the Department of State Services (DSS), alongside other appropriate independent authorities, to ensure public confidence in the investigation and prevent any agency from investigating itself.

YAM said while the fight against illegal mining must remain a priority, enforcement of the law should not become a justification for violating human dignity or allowing unexplained deaths of persons in government custody.

The movement also urged the Federal Government to conduct a comprehensive nationwide audit of mining activities to determine the number and locations of active mining sites, identify licensed and illegal operations, and assess the extent of environmental degradation caused by illegal mining.

According to the group, the audit should also establish the economic losses suffered by the Federal, State and Local Governments, identify individuals and organisations financing or facilitating illegal mining, and assess the effectiveness of existing regulatory and enforcement mechanisms.

“Those found to have violated Nigeria’s mining laws should be investigated and, where sufficient evidence exists, prosecuted in accordance with the law,” it said.

On the deaths in custody, YAM stressed that arrest should not amount to a death sentence, noting that suspects were entitled to humane treatment, due process and protection of their fundamental rights while in custody.

“No Nigerian should die mysteriously while under the care and control of the state,” the movement said.

It called for regular inspections, independent oversight and stronger accountability mechanisms for detention and holding facilities operated by security and law enforcement agencies.

YAM also urged the government to ensure that families of the deceased receive timely information and that any person or institution found responsible for wrongdoing is held accountable in accordance with the law.

The movement said the incident should serve as a catalyst for broader national discussions on custodial accountability, human rights, illegal mining and the protection of human life.