The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on United Nations Special Procedures to investigate the reported deaths of 37 young people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. SERAP also urged an independent probe into the reported use of lethal force against protesters in Minna, the state capital, following the deaths in custody. According to SERAP, at least two protesters were reportedly killed during demonstrations, while others were allegedly shot and left with serious injuries. The protests followed the deaths of the 37 detainees, including young people reportedly arrested by the NSCDC in connection with alleged illegal mining activities. SERAP said reports of security personnel using live ammunition against protesters raised concerns about whether excessive or disproportionate force was used.
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