The federal government of Nigeria has formally inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected miners in the custody of the Niger state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The panel was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja on September 22, 2026. The move follows a report that 37 persons detained by the NSCDC in connection with suspected illegal mining had died in custody on September 17, 2026.
While inaugurating the investigative panel, Minister Tunji-Ojo assured the general public that no officer found culpable would be shielded. He emphasized that government institutions must never become places of death, adding that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was elected on the premise that every Nigerian life matters. The minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the government and people of Niger State, and other Nigerians affected by the incident.
The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention. The panel will also determine the cause and manner of death through medical and forensic examinations. Furthermore, it will investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity, or any breach of duty occurred.
The committee has full authority to co-opt experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, conduct forensic examinations, and receive memoranda from members of the public. The Minister gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report. He also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence relating to the incident were preserved.
The Minister warned against interference with the probe panel, saying any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the committee would be treated as a serious offence. He assured Nigerians that the government would not abandon the families of the deceased. The committee members include a representative of the Minna Emirate Council, a representative of the Niger State Government, and the National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman.
Responding on behalf of the committee, Chairman Jonathan Kure described the assignment as a call to national service rather than a mere appointment. He assured Nigerians that the panel would conduct the investigation with open minds and without sentiments or media pressure. Kure promised that the committee's findings would be delivered with its integrity intact.
The incident has been described as one of the lowest moments in recent memory. The Minister announced the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and all officers on arrest, investigation, legal, station, and guard duties between September 15 and 17. The government has promised a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the incident.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has inaugurated a 10-member panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected miners in NSCDC custody.
- The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
- The government has warned against interference with the probe panel and assured Nigerians that no officer found culpable would be shielded.
