The Federal Government has inaugurated an independent 10-member committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The committee is chaired by a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Jonathan Kure, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as Secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government.
Also serving on the panel are Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on September 17, 2026, while being held at the NSCDC Niger State Command. The circumstances and cause of the deaths remain unclear, prompting the Federal Government to order an independent investigation.
Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged Nigerians to remain calm while the committee carries out its assignment.
He said the investigation would establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individual or institution should be held accountable.
The minister disclosed that, in line with the President’s directive, the government had suspended the Niger State Commander of the NSCDC as well as all officers who were on duty between September 15 and 17.
“Government institutions should be places of security, not death. My condolences go to the families and all Nigerians affected,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He added that the government had taken two immediate measures: the suspension of the Niger State Commander and officers on duty during the period in question, as well as the inauguration of the independent 10-member committee.
According to him, the composition of the panel was deliberately broad to ensure credibility, transparency and justice.
“As you can see from the membership of this committee, there is absolutely no excuse for justice not to be done. Let your performance and your sustained integrity over the years justify what will be done,” he said.
Tunji-Ojo warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation, particularly through the destruction or concealment of evidence or intimidation of witnesses.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offence against the nation and will not be tolerated,” he warned.
He further assured the committee that anyone found attempting to frustrate the investigation would face the full weight of the law.
The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
The report is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide recommendations to guide the Federal Government’s next steps.
