FG sets up panel to probe deaths of 37 NSCDC detainees
The federal government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State over suspected illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development on Saturday, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident, which occurred on September 17, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, will investigate the identities of the deceased, circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention, and the causes of their deaths.
It is also expected to determine possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The minister said the government owed the families of the deceased and Nigerians a transparent account of what happened.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” Tunji-Ojo warned.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the minister.
Its members include former Nigeria Law School Director-General, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), as secretary; retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a professor of histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; and representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government.
Others are the National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint newspaper’s Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.
