The Federal Government has established a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 individuals who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command. The victims had been detained on suspicion of involvement in illegal mining.

Minister of Interior Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the committee following directives from President Bola Tinubu, who called for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the incident that occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Describing the event as deeply disturbing, the Minister emphasized that the government owes the victims' families and the Nigerian public a clear and truthful account of what took place.

Suspensions and Warnings Against Interference

To ensure an impartial inquiry, the Minister ordered the immediate suspension of 20 officers from the Niger State Command, pending the outcome of the investigation. Among those suspended are the State Commandant, the Officer in Charge of Investigation, and various station guard, duty, and arresting officers.

The Minister explicitly warned the leadership and members of the Corps against interfering with the inquiry. He stressed that any attempts to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the process will be treated as severe offenses, and directed all relevant personnel to cooperate fully and preserve all records and material evidence.

Committee Mandate and Composition

The independent committee is tasked with:

• Establishing the identities of the deceased individuals.

• Investigating the circumstances surrounding their arrests, detention, and subsequent deaths.

• Determining responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct.

• Recommending appropriate disciplinary actions, compensation where applicable, and preventative measures for the future.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), with Prof. Isa Hayatu Ciroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Director General of the Nigerian Law School, serving as Secretary.

Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives from the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; human rights lawyer Mr. Deji Adeyanju; journalist Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr. George Agbakahi.

The panel has been empowered to co-opt experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant sites, and request public memoranda. It is expected to complete its work and submit a formal report within two weeks.

Meanwhile, the Minister extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for public calm while the investigation is underway.