The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The deceased were reportedly in NSCDC custody on suspicion of engaging in illegal mining when the incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a press statement released via his X has handle. He said the committee was constituted following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
However, The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrests, detention and deaths. It will also determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, while recommending appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, mni, has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the minister. Other members include Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retd.), Professor Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government, and Miners Association of Nigeria National Secretary, Liman Sulaiman.
Lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, Blueprint Newspaper’s Zainab Suleiman Okino and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi are also members.
Federal Government Suspends 21 NSCDC Officers
The minister also ordered the suspension of all officers involved in the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and 20 other officers have been suspended, including station guards, arresting and investigating officers, the Head of Intelligence and Investigation, the officer in charge of legal affairs and duty officers.
Tunji-Ojo, however, directed the NSCDC leadership and relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and ensure that all records and material evidence connected to the incident are preserved.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee may co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public.
The minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
