Probe: 33 Detainees Died After Overcrowding and Water Shortage in Niger NSCDC Cell

A Federal Ministry of Interior investigation has found that 33 male detainees, including 14 minors, died after being held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell at the Niger State NSCDC command between September 16 and 17. Forty-one detainees survived. The panel said about 50 people were packed into a 12-square-metre room with no working water supply. As conditions worsened, detainees reportedly cried out for water and air, while some resorted to drinking urine and sweat because of severe dehydration. Investigators said officers ignored warnings about the risk of suffocation and failed to respond to prolonged distress calls. Medical findings attributed the deaths to acute oxygen deprivation, extreme heat and dehydration. The report also raised concerns over minors being placed in adult detention facilities.

Use The App To Win ₦1m

Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.