The Federal Government of Nigeria has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people 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 for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure.
The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command. The cause of the deaths has not been established, and the committee's investigation aims to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident. The committee's members include a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, as secretary, and other notable individuals with diverse backgrounds.
The committee's terms of reference include 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 also 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.
Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of the committee's independence and assured that the government would ensure justice for the victims. He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation would attract serious consequences. The committee has been given full authority to access relevant facilities and documents and conduct forensic examinations.
The committee's chairman, Jonathan Kure, pledged to investigate with integrity, stating that they considered their appointment a call to national service. The committee has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report. Minister Tunji-Ojo assured the families of the deceased that the government would not abandon them and appealed for calm and patience.
The investigation will involve interviewing all relevant persons, including officers involved, other detainees, families of the deceased, witnesses, and medical personnel. The committee will also examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records, and other relevant documents featuring physical and material evidence. They will recommend appropriate disciplinary, administrative, or legal action against any persons found guilty.
Minister Tunji-Ojo assured Nigerians that the report of the committee would not be suppressed and that those found culpable would be prosecuted or dealt with in accordance with the law. The government aims to provide justice and compensation or other remedial measures for the families of the deceased where applicable. The committee's findings and recommendations will be made public after the submission of their report.
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's terms of reference include identifying the deceased, establishing the causes of their deaths, and investigating the circumstances leading to their arrest and detention.
- The committee has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report, and those found culpable will be prosecuted or dealt with in accordance with the law.
