The Federal Government has set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The committee, headed by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Jonathan Kure, was inaugurated by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja. The Minister stated that the government's immediate priority was to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and ensure that anyone found culpable would be held accountable.
The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister. According to Tunji-Ojo, the committee's terms of reference include establishing the identities of the deceased, investigating and documenting the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determining the cause and manner of death. The committee is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity, or any breach of duty occurred and recommend appropriate disciplinary action.
The Minister disclosed that he had ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, as well as all officers who were on duty covering arrest, investigation, legal, station, and guard duties between 15 and 17 September 2026. The affected officers would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the government was committed to uncovering the truth and would not shield any officer, regardless of position, if found culpable.
The committee members include Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as secretary; retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist, Mr Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspapers; and Dr George Agbakahi, public affairs analyst.
The Minister authorized the committee to co-opt relevant experts, access facilities, and request memoranda from members of the public in the course of its assignment. He also directed the NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation, stressing that all records and material evidence connected with the incident must be preserved and made available to the committee. Tunji-Ojo warned against any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation.
Speaking after his inauguration, the committee chairman, Kure, described the assignment as a call to national service rather than an appointment. He said members of the committee were committed to protecting their integrity and would approach the investigation without bias or sentiment. Kure assured Nigerians that the committee would conduct the investigation with open minds and would not be influenced by sentiments or media reports.
The Minister appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the government would not abandon them. He emphasized that the government was committed to uncovering the truth and would ensure that justice was served. The committee's report is expected to provide closure for the families of the deceased and shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Key points
- The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member committee to investigate the deaths of 37 persons in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
- The committee has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.
- The government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and other officers pending the outcome of the investigation.
