The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, on suspicion of illegal mining. This action follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The Minister described the deaths as deeply disturbing and said the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident. He directed the suspension of all officers involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation. The committee will establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrests, detention, and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
The independent committee, led by Mr Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, as Chairman, and Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, as Secretary, will determine responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct. They will also recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence. The committee has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister.
The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the Committee, while also directing that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to the investigators. He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.
A total of 20 officers have been suspended in connection with the incident, including the Niger State Commandant of the Corps. The suspended officers include various ranks and designations within the NSCDC. The Minister extends his condolences to the families of the deceased and appeals for calm while the investigation continues.
The committee members comprise experts from various fields, including security, law, medicine, and human rights. They have the mandate to co-opt relevant experts, access all necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, and request memoranda from members of the public. The committee's report is expected to provide a comprehensive account of the incident and recommend measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the need for accountability within the NSCDC. The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide closure for the families of the deceased. The Minister's directive for a transparent investigation demonstrates the government's commitment to addressing the incident and ensuring that those responsible are held accountable.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has launched an investigation into the deaths of 37 people held by the NSCDC on suspicion of illegal mining.
- A 10-member independent committee has been set up to probe the incident and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
- 20 NSCDC officers have been suspended in connection with the incident, pending the outcome of the investigation.
