By Ado Oyeyemi
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State over alleged illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the constitution of the committee on Saturday, saying the move followed President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The deaths reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while the victims were being held by the NSCDC Niger State Command on suspicion of illegal mining.
Tunji-Ojo said the committee would establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
It will also determine possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister said the government owed the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of what led to the deaths.
He directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers concerned to cooperate fully with the investigation, while ordering the preservation and release of all records and material evidence connected with the incident.
Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Jonathan Kure, while a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, will serve as secretary.
Other members are 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 Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint newspaper journalist, Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.
The committee has two weeks to conclude its assignment and submit its report to the minister. It may also co-opt experts, visit relevant locations, access necessary documents and facilities and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Meanwhile, the minister ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers linked to the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The affected officers include those involved in station guard duties, arrests, investigation, intelligence and legal affairs, as well as officers who were on guard duty at the time of the incident.
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Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
