The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe 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 committee was inaugurated on Tuesday in Abuja by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, after they were arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State. The circumstances and immediate cause of their deaths remain subject to investigation. (Vanguard News)
Speaking during the inauguration, Tunji-Ojo said government institutions must not become places where people lose their lives, stressing that no officer found culpable would be protected.
The minister said the committee would establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention. It will also determine the cause and manner of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
The panel is expected to investigate possible negligence, misconduct, complicity or breach of duty and recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable, as well as steps to prevent a recurrence. (Vanguard News)
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police 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; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint Newspaper’s Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst George Agbakahi. (Vanguard News)
The Federal Government had earlier suspended 20 NSCDC officers in connection with the incident, including the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye. The Corps has since deployed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new commandant of the Niger State Command. (Vanguard News)
The investigative committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report. It has also been authorised to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo warned against any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation, saying such actions would be treated as serious offences. (Vanguard News)
The Federal Government has appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm while the investigation continues, with the panel expected to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and determine responsibility where evidence supports it. (Channels Television)
