FG Sets Up Panel To Probe Deaths Of 37 NSCDC Detainees, Suspends 20 Officers

The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported 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 development was announced on Saturday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.

The deaths were reported on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after the individuals were arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State.

Tunji-Ojo described the reported deaths as deeply disturbing, stressing that the government owes the families of the deceased and Nigerians a transparent account of what transpired.

The committee has been mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.

It is also expected to determine whether responsibility, negligence, misconduct or complicity played any role in the incident and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.

The minister directed the leadership of the NSCDC and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and preserve all records and material evidence connected to the incident.

He further warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.

As part of the measures, the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and 20 other officers linked to the incident have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The affected officers include personnel involved in the arrest, investigation, legal processes, station guard and detention duties.

Committee Members

The 10-member committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.

Other members are 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; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju; Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

The committee may invite additional experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.

It has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.

Meanwhile, Adeyanju has said he accepted his appointment to the committee to ensure that the interests of the deceased are represented and the circumstances surrounding their deaths are properly established. He also stated that he would not accept payment, stipend or honorarium for his participation in the investigation.

The Federal Government has appealed for calm as the investigation proceeds and extended its condolences to the families of those who died in custody.