Social crusader and activist Idris Abubakar has called for a thorough investigation into the Niger State custody tragedy, insisting that all officers found responsible, regardless of their positions, must be held accountable.
Abubakar, in an opinion article, said the deaths of 33 detainees, including 14 minors, which the Federal Government’s investigative committee reportedly confirmed, demanded justice for the victims and their families.
He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including overcrowding, poor ventilation, excessive heat and dehydration, raised serious questions about the treatment of detainees and the failure of institutional safeguards.
The activist stressed that suspected involvement in illegal mining did not diminish the rights of the victims, adding that government agencies had a responsibility to protect everyone in their custody.
Addressing calls for the removal of the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, Abubakar cautioned against rushing to blame him without establishing his direct involvement in the operation.
He cited reported findings that the NSCDC national headquarters was not informed before the operation commenced, arguing that this should be considered in determining whether Audi personally authorised it.
However, he maintained that the Commandant-General still had a responsibility to ensure effective supervision and oversight of the Corps, stressing that any proven failure at that level must also attract accountability.
Abubakar said responsibility should be determined by evidence rather than public anger, noting that the distinction between leading a national institution and directly supervising individual operations was important in establishing who authorised the operation and who was responsible for the conditions in which the detainees were held.
He called for answers on when the national headquarters was informed, whether there had been previous complaints about the detention facility and whether adequate inspection and reporting procedures were in place.
The activist warned against limiting accountability to the removal of one official, arguing that operational officers, supervisors and senior commanders whose actions or omissions contributed to the tragedy should also face scrutiny.
He urged the government to implement comprehensive reforms in detention procedures, including regular inspections, enforceable capacity limits, proper custody records, adequate ventilation, access to water and medical attention, and stronger safeguards for minors.
Abubakar also called for appropriate support for the bereaved families and survivors, insisting that officers found culpable must face disciplinary and judicial processes.
He said the central issue should not merely be whether Prof. Audi, who has reportedly not been directly connected to the operation in any way, should be replaced, but whether the government is prepared to establish the truth, punish those responsible and prevent a recurrence.
“No individual should be condemned without evidence,” he said.
Abubakar added that the victims deserved justice, their families deserved answers, and survivors deserved a system that protects rather than endangers people in custody.