Nigeria Launches Independent Inquiry After 37 Miners Die in Detention

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the controversial deaths of 37 individuals while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the development on Saturday following an explicit directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the tragedy.

The victims were reportedly detained by the NSCDC Niger State Command on suspicions of illegal mining before the incident occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

Massive Shakeup as 21 Officers Face Immediate Suspension

In a swift administrative response, the minister directed the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Corps alongside 20 other personnel linked to the facility and the operation.

The affected personnel include station guards, arresting officers, legal heads, and intelligence operatives. The Minister warned that any attempts by internal or external actors to conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the ongoing inquiry will be treated as a severe criminal offense.

“The government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident,” Tunji-Ojo stated, describing the custody deaths as “deeply disturbing.”

High-Powered Investigative Panel Formed

The newly formed independent committee is mandated to establish the identities of the 37 deceased persons, scrutinize the legality of their arrests and detention, and determine the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The panel has been given a strict two-week deadline to complete its task and submit a comprehensive report detailing accountability, negligence, or misconduct, alongside recommendations for compensation and preventive measures.

Headed by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the committee comprises legal experts, human rights advocates, media practitioners, and regional representatives.

Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as the committee’s Secretary.

Full List of Independent Committee Members

Mr. Jonathan Kure, MNI (Retired Deputy DG, DSS)—Chairman

Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) (Former DG, Nigerian Law School) – Secretary

AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (Retired)

Prof. Olayinka Buhari (Professor of Histopathology, Former CMD of UITH)

Representative of the Minna Emirate Council

Representative of the Niger State Government

Alhaji Liman Sulaiman (National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria)

Mr. Deji Adeyanju (Lawyer and Human Rights Activist)

Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino (Blueprint Newspaper)

Dr. George Agbakahi (Public Affairs Analyst)

The committee holds the authority to co-opt external experts, visit the locations of the incident, access classified documents, and request public memoranda to aid their investigation.

Minister Tunji-Ojo expressed his deepest condolences to the grieving families and appealed to residents of Niger State and the general public to maintain calm while the independent panel uncovers the facts.

Meanwhile, the federal government has confirmed the suspension of all officers directly linked to the incident.

Full List of Suspended NSCDC Officers

Niger State Commandant (Name withheld in statement)

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)