FG Unveils 10-Member Panel To Probe D**ths Of 37 NSCDC Detainees, Suspends 21 Officers

The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over suspected illegal mining activities.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the committee was established by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The Minister also ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers pending the outcome of the investigation. The reported deaths followed arrests carried out during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining in parts of Niger State. The NSCDC had initially said the detainees died following a suspected disease outbreak, while authorities subsequently ordered investigations to establish the actual circumstances and cause of the deaths.

The independent committee has been tasked with establishing the identities of the deceased and examining the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths. It is also expected to determine whether responsibility, negligence, misconduct or other forms of wrongdoing were involved and recommend appropriate measures, including compensation where applicable.

The committee will be chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as secretary.

Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint Newspaper journalist Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

The committee has been authorised to invite relevant experts, access necessary documents and facilities, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public. It is expected to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister within two weeks.

The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation. He also ordered the preservation of records and other material evidence connected to the incident, warning that attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.

The development comes amid growing public concern over the deaths in NSCDC custody. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain subject to investigation, with authorities expected to establish the precise cause of death and determine whether any officials or other individuals should be held responsible.

The Minister expressed condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm while the independent investigation continues.