The Nigerian government has inaugurated 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 (NSCDC) in Niger State. The panel was set up following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Interior, Old Federal Secretariat, Abuja.
The 37 detainees reportedly died while in NSCDC custody after their arrest on suspicion of illegal mining in Niger State on September 17, 2026. The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the panel on Tuesday, emphasizing the importance of a thorough and transparent investigation. He directed all paramilitary agencies concerned to provide the panel with every assistance required to carry out its assignment.
The panel is chaired by a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr Jonathan Kure, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, is the secretary. Other members include Dr George Agbakahi, a Nigerian diaspora scholar and public analyst. The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
The terms of reference of the panel include establishing the identities of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determining where responsibility for the deaths lies. The inauguration was attended by heads of paramilitary agencies, including the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire and Immigration Services Board, Rtd. Major General Abdulmalik Jibrin.
Speaking after the inauguration, Kure assured Nigerians that the panel would conduct a credible investigation, declaring that justice “will not only be done, but will be seen to have been done.” He emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in the investigation. The panel's findings are expected to be made public after the submission of its report.
Also speaking, Agbakahi described his membership of the panel as “a call to service” and assured Nigerians that the investigation would be thorough, independent, and transparent. He expressed confidence in the panel's ability to uncover the truth surrounding the deaths of the suspected illegal miners. The investigation is expected to shed light on the circumstances leading to the deaths.
The inauguration ceremony began with a minute of silence in honour of the deceased. Tunji-Ojo warned the agencies against interfering with the investigation, stressing that the panel must be allowed to conduct its work without hindrance and establish the facts surrounding the deaths. The government has expressed commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has set up a 10-member panel to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
- The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
- The investigation aims to establish the identities of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine where responsibility for the deaths lies.
