37 Miners’ De@th: ‘NSCDC, Police, Ministry Do Not Report To Me’ — Gov. Bago

Niger State Governor Umar Bago has spoken about the limits of the state government’s control over federal security agencies operating in the state, amid ongoing concerns surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

According to reports, the governor made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he was asked whether the Niger State Government shared responsibility for the deaths and whether the incident could have been prevented.

Bago explained that agencies including the NSCDC, the Nigeria Police Force and other federal institutions do not report directly to the state government because they are under the control of the Federal Government.

He said this limits the state government’s authority over federal facilities, including detention centres, police stations and NSCDC facilities.

The governor, however, said the state government intervenes when complaints concerning security operations or alleged unlawful detention are brought to its attention by civil society organisations or members of the public.

According to Bago, the state government may also intervene through relevant ministries, including the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Women Affairs, when complaints are formally presented.

He further explained that authorities are often unaware of individuals arrested or detained by federal security agencies unless complaints are filed or legal intervention is sought through the courts.

The governor’s comments come amid an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the cause and conditions of the detainees’ custody, remain subject to investigation by the relevant authorities.