The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The Niger NSCDC deaths were disclosed to the government on September 17, 2026, according to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo inaugurated the investigative committee in Abuja on Tuesday and said the government would pursue a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The minister said government institutions must not become places where people lose their lives.
He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and the government and people of Niger State.
Following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for an investigation, Tunji-Ojo said he ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and officers involved in arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17.
“They remain suspended pending the outcome of this investigation,” he said.
The minister said the suspensions would remain in effect while the committee carries out its assignment.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.
It will also conduct appropriate medical and forensic examinations to determine the cause and manner of death.
The panel is expected to investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred.
Its recommendations may include disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable and measures aimed at preventing a recurrence.
Tunji-Ojo appointed retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, as chairman of the committee.
A former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, will serve as secretary.
Other members include 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; and representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government.
Also on the committee are 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 Federal Government has given the panel two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report.
The committee has been authorised to co-opt experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and conduct forensic examinations.
It can also receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo directed NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and preserve records and material evidence.
He warned that attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the inquiry would be treated as serious offences.
“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 said.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Kure described the assignment as a national service responsibility.
He assured Nigerians that members would approach the investigation with open minds and without sentiments or media pressure.
Kure also pledged that the panel’s findings would be presented with its integrity intact.
