The Federal Government has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people who were held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, over suspected illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, set up the panel following a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a thorough, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which happened on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Corps and 20 other officers linked to the incident, pending the outcome of the committee’s work.
Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, the Minister said the government owes the families of the victims and the Nigerian public a clear account of what happened.
The committee is to establish the identities of the deceased, look into their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths. It is also to identify those responsible, and to establish any complicity, negligence or misconduct. It will recommend appropriate sanctions, compensation where applicable, and steps to prevent a repeat.
The Minister directed NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the panel, and ordered that all records and material evidence relating to the incident be preserved and handed over to investigators. He warned that anyone who tries to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the probe will face action for a serious offence.
The committee has the power to co-opt experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and invite memoranda from the public. It has two weeks to submit its report to the Minister.
Members of the committee
- Jonathan Kure, mni, retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services (Chairman)
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General, Nigerian Law School (Secretary)
- Hosea Hassan Karma, retired AIG
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital
- Representative of the Minna Emirate Council
- Representative of the Niger State Government
- Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria
- Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist
- Zainab Suleiman Okino, Blueprint Newspaper
- Dr. George Agbakahi, public affairs analyst
Suspended officers (in addition to the Niger State Commandant)
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, O/C Station Guard
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed, Station Guard
- CCA Bala Mohammed, Station Guard
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday, Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
- DCC Obafemi Elvis, Arresting Officer
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino, Arresting Officer
- DCC Philip Ajayi, HOD INT/INV
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado, O/C Legal
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed, Day/Night Duty Officer
- IC Abdullahi Sale, Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Sonfada, Guard Duty
- CAI Liman Abubakar, Guard Duty
- CAI Bala Usman, Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Jiya, Guard Duty
- DSC Isah Suleiman, Guard Duty
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi, Guard Duty
- IC Sale Adamu, Guard Duty
- IC Haruna Mohammed, Guard Duty
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah, Guard Duty
- CAI Isah Sanusi, Guard Duty
The Minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
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