The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development in a statement on Saturday, adding that 20 officers of the NSCDC Niger State Command had been suspended in connection with the incident.
According to the minister, the investigation followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the deaths, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as deeply disturbing, saying the government had a responsibility to provide the families of the deceased and Nigerians with a clear account of what happened.
He directed that all officers linked to the incident remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The minister also warned NSCDC personnel and other relevant officials against interfering with the probe, stressing that evidence connected to the incident must be preserved.
He said any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee will establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as determine the cause of their deaths.
It will also investigate whether there was any negligence, misconduct, complicity or other form of wrongdoing and recommend appropriate action where necessary.
The panel is chaired by retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Director General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof Isa Hayatu Ciroma, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; and the National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman.
Lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, Blueprint Newspaper journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi are also members of the committee.
The minister said the panel had the authority to invite relevant experts, inspect locations connected to the incident, access necessary documents and facilities, and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The committee is expected to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior within two weeks.
Meanwhile, the 20 suspended NSCDC personnel include the Niger State Commandant, as well as officers involved in the arrest, investigation, legal processes, station guard duties and supervision of the suspects.
The minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the independent investigation gets underway.
