By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17.
The deceased were among people arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16. The NSCDC had initially said the detainees were found dead following a suspected disease outbreak, while the actual cause of the deaths remains under investigation.
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Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, had earlier confirmed the death of the 37 detainees and said investigations, including forensic and medical examinations, were being conducted to establish the scientific cause of the deaths. He also said possible causes being examined included overcrowding and exposure to hazardous substances associated with illegal mining.
Tunji-Ojo said the independent committee would establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths. It will also determine whether there was responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.
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The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary. Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, as well as representatives of the Miners Association of Nigeria, civil society, the media and public affairs. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
The Minister also announced the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation. The affected personnel include officers involved in the arrest, investigation, legal and custodial duties connected with the detainees.
The Merit Newspaper reports that the suspended officers include SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, ASCI Hassan Mohammed, CCA Bala Mohammed, CSC Oluwadare Sunday, DCC Obafemi Elvis, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino, DCC Philip Ajayi, ACC Barrister Stephen Tsado, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed, IC Abdullahi Sale and 10 other personnel assigned to guard duties.
The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and ensure that records and other material evidence connected with the incident are preserved and made available to investigators. He warned that attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as serious offences.
The incident has generated public concern in Minna, with protests reported following the deaths. Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue, while the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has also assured the Niger State Government that the police will work with relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said the Federal Government was committed to establishing the facts surrounding the incident and taking appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.
