FG Inaugurates 10-Member Panel to Probe Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners in NSCDC Custody

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee in Abuja on Tuesday, saying government institutions must never become places where lives are lost.

He assured Nigerians that any officer found culpable after the investigation would not be protected.

Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government received reports on September 17, 2026, that the 37 persons detained by the NSCDC in connection with suspected illegal mining had died in custody.

“No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.

“This administration was elected on the premise that every Nigerian life matters, and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism and respect for human rights,” he said.

The minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as the government and people of Niger State and others affected by the incident.

He described the deaths as one of the lowest moments in recent memory and said President Tinubu had directed a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation.

Following the directive, Tunji-Ojo said he ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and all officers who were on arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17.

“They remain suspended pending the outcome of this investigation,” he said.

According to the minister, the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

The panel will also determine, through appropriate medical and forensic examinations, the cause and manner of death and investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred.

It is further expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.

Committee Members

Tunji-Ojo named retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, as chairman of the committee, while a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, will serve as secretary.

Other members are retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olayinka Buhari; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.

The minister said the committee had the authority to co-opt experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.

He gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.

Tunji-Ojo also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that records and other material evidence relating to the incident were preserved.

He warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation, saying the destruction or concealment of evidence, intimidation of witnesses or obstruction of the committee would be treated as a serious offence.

“To Nigerians, I say this: we owe you the truth. This Committee will give you the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” he declared.

The minister also appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the government would not abandon them.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Kure described the assignment as a call to national service rather than a mere appointment.

He assured Nigerians that the panel would conduct the investigation with open minds and without sentiments or pressure from the media.

Kure said the committee would carry out its work with integrity and ensure that its findings were delivered without compromising the responsibility entrusted to it.