The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee was set up by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The deaths reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, after the detainees were arrested over suspected illegal mining activities.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as deeply disturbing and said the government was obligated to provide the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public with a clear account of what happened.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of those who died and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
It will also investigate possible responsibility, negligence, misconduct or complicity and recommend appropriate measures, including compensation where necessary, as well as steps to prevent a recurrence.
The minister ordered the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation. He also directed that all records and other evidence relating to the incident be preserved and made available to the committee.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
Members of the committee
The 10-member committee comprises:
- Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), as Chairman.
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as Secretary.
- AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired).
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
- A representative of the Minna Emirate Council.
- A representative of the Niger State Government.
- Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria.
- Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist.
- Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper.
- Dr George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The committee may invite additional experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
It has been given two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
20 NSCDC officers suspended
The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and 20 other officers have also been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The suspended officers include station guards, arresting and investigating officers, legal officers, intelligence personnel and officers assigned to guard duties.
Those suspended alongside the Niger State Commandant are:
- 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
Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the independent investigation is ongoing.
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