The Nigerian government has taken steps to investigate the deaths of 37 individuals held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. On September 17, 2026, the incident occurred, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to direct a comprehensive and transparent investigation. In response, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo constituted a ten-member independent committee to look into the matter. The committee's primary objective is to establish the facts surrounding the arrests, detention, and deaths of the individuals.
The independent committee, headed by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, is expected to submit its report within two weeks. The committee's terms of reference include determining the identities of the deceased, investigating their arrests and detention, and establishing the cause and circumstances of their deaths. Additionally, the committee will investigate allegations of responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, and recommend appropriate actions, including compensation where applicable.
In the wake of the incident, Minister Tunji-Ojo directed the suspension of all officers involved, pending the conclusion of the independent committee's investigation. A total of 23 officers have been suspended, including the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC. The Minister warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence. The government has also directed the NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee.
The Minister of Interior has expressed deep concern over the incident, describing the deaths as "deeply disturbing." He stated that the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident. The government has extended its condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
The independent committee comprises experts from various fields, including law, medicine, and human rights. Members include Isa Hayatu Chiroma, a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School; AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, a retired police officer; and Olayinka Buhari, a Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. Other members represent the Niger State Government, the Miners Association of Nigeria, and human rights organizations.
The committee has been empowered to co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, and request memoranda from members of the public. The government has assured that the investigation will be thorough, transparent, and unhindered. The incident has sparked widespread concern and calls for accountability within the NSCDC.
The government has released a full list of suspended officers, including the O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, and the Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday. The Minister has urged all relevant stakeholders to cooperate with the committee and provide necessary information to facilitate a thorough investigation. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide closure for the families of the deceased.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has formed a ten-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 individuals held in NSCDC custody.
- The committee has been given two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
- A total of 23 officers have been suspended, including the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, pending the conclusion of the investigation.
