The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over allegations of illegal mining.
The committee was established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of officers linked to the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The minister described the deaths as “deeply disturbing” and said the government was obligated to provide the families of the deceased and Nigerians with a clear account of what happened.
The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of those who died and investigate their arrests, detention as well as the cause and circumstances surrounding their deaths.
It will also determine possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and make recommendations on appropriate action, compensation where necessary, and steps to prevent a recurrence.
The ministry directed NSCDC authorities and other relevant officers to cooperate fully with the panel and ensure that all documents and material evidence connected to the case are preserved for investigators.
Issuing a warning against interference with the probe, Tunji-Ojo said, “Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.”
The committee will be chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor 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 Niger State Government; Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
According to the ministry, the committee may bring in additional experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The panel has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Meanwhile, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers have been suspended in connection with the incident, including personnel involved in the arrest, investigation, legal duties and guarding of the detainees.
Tunji-Ojo offered his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the investigation proceeds.
