The Federal Government has set up a 10-member panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State. The committee was inaugurated by Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in Abuja, following President Bola Tinubu's directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The panel's mandate is to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and make findings that could guide the government's response.
The 37 detainees died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while being held by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain unclear, prompting the Federal Government to order an investigation to determine the cause of the deaths. The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
The panel is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, will serve as secretary. Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
The panel also has representatives from various sectors, including Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi. The inclusion of diverse stakeholders is expected to bring a comprehensive perspective to the investigation.
Speaking at the inauguration, Tunji-Ojo thanked the President for ordering the probe, saying the decision was intended to ensure justice for the deceased. He also sympathised with the families of the victims and appealed for calm as the committee carries out its assignment. The Minister of Interior emphasized the importance of the investigation in establishing the truth.
The committee's findings are expected to guide the government's response to the incident and provide closure for the families of the victims. The Federal Government has been criticized for its handling of the incident, with many calling for a thorough investigation. The panel's report is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The inauguration of the panel marks a significant step towards addressing the incident and ensuring accountability. The government has faced criticism for its handling of human rights issues, and the investigation is seen as a test of its commitment to justice and transparency. The panel's work will be closely watched by stakeholders and the general public.
Key points
- The Federal Government has set up a 10-member panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
- The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
- The panel's findings are expected to guide the government's response to the incident and provide closure for the families of the victims.
