THE Independent Investigating Committee has revealed that the tragic death of detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State was a preventable disaster caused by severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, and acute respiratory failure.

Presenting its 65-page report to the Minister of Interior, Committee Chairman and retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Jonathan Kure-Emeni, stated that the fatalities resulted from environmental asphyxiation and heat stress due to prolonged confinement in a 20-square-metre cell packed with detainees.

The panel dismissed claims of a disease outbreak, noting that 50 male detainees were crammed into an unventilated cell without water, working toilets, or compliance with lawful detention guidelines following raids on mining sites in Minna.

According to the findings, distress calls and warnings regarding suffocation were ignored throughout the night, leading to the authenticated deaths of 33 persons, including 14 minors. The committee indicted the command for operating without proper approvals and failing its duty of care.