The Federal Government of Nigeria has established a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 individuals detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, following a directive by President Bola Tinubu. The probe aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, which occurred on September 17, 2026.
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) as secretary. Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof Olayinka Buhari, a representative of the Minna Emirate Council, and a representative of the Niger State government. Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino, and Dr. George Agbakahi are also part of the committee.
The committee's mandate includes identifying the deceased and establishing the immediate and remote causes of their deaths, as well as the time and place of their deaths. They will investigate the circumstances leading to their arrest and detention, examine the legality and conditions of the detention facility, and determine whether relevant laws, detention procedures, and human rights standards were complied with. The committee has been given full authority to access relevant facilities and documents and conduct forensic examinations.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the committee must be independent and focused on uncovering the truth. He stressed that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation would attract serious consequences. The minister assured Nigerians and the families of the deceased that the government would ensure justice and that those found culpable would be prosecuted or dealt with in accordance with the law.
The committee has been given two weeks to complete its work and submit its report. The minister assured the families of the deceased that they would not be abandoned and appealed for calm and patience. The chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, pledged that members would investigate with integrity and consider their appointment a call to national service.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the enforcement of human rights standards. The NSCDC Niger State Command is facing scrutiny over the detention and deaths of the 37 miners. An eyewitness alleged poisoning, but the cause of the deaths has not been established. The investigation aims to provide clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The government's response to the incident has been criticized, with some questioning the delay in setting up an investigation. However, the inauguration of the committee marks a step towards addressing the concerns of the families of the deceased and ensuring accountability. The committee's report is expected to provide recommendations for appropriate disciplinary, administrative, or legal action against any persons found guilty.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has set up a 10-member committee to investigate the deaths of 37 miners detained by the NSCDC in Niger State.
- The committee has been given two weeks to complete its work and submit its report.
- The investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the causes of death and the treatment of detainees.
