The Federal Government has tasked an independent 10-member committee investigating the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State with uncovering the truth and ensuring justice for the deceased.
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the charge while inaugurating the committee in Abuja, directing it to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including possible torture, inhumane treatment, denial of medical care and professional misconduct by officers involved in the miners’ detention.
The 37 miners reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command after they were allegedly arrested on suspicion of illegal mining.
The committee is expected to establish the circumstances and causes of their deaths and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.
Tunji-Ojo said the investigation would go beyond establishing the identities of the deceased and determining the causes of death to examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility, the duration of detention and whether relevant laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were followed.
He said the committee would also investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the miners, as well as review the NSCDC’s operational mandate and rules of engagement in enforcing laws against illegal mining.
According to the minister, the panel would interview officers involved in the arrests and detention, other detainees, relatives of the deceased, witnesses, medical personnel and anyone else with relevant information.
“It is also expected to examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records, photographs and other physical and material evidence connected with the incident,” he said.
The committee will determine whether individual or institutional culpability exists and recommend appropriate disciplinary, administrative or legal action against anyone found responsible, the minister added.
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It is also expected to recommend compensation or other remedial measures for the families of the deceased, where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
Tunji-Ojo said the government owed the families and Nigerians the truth about what happened. “To the deceased, I say this: We might not be able to give you any other gift, but we’ll give you the only gift that is left for Nigeria to offer you. Justice. To the deceased, justice will be done,” he said.
The minister said the committee had been given a free hand to conduct its investigation and would operate independently of him and other government officials.
He said the panel had full authority to access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations, conduct forensic examinations and interview individuals who could assist the investigation.
Tunji-Ojo also warned against attempts to interfere with the process, stating that anyone who destroyed or concealed evidence, intimidated witnesses or obstructed the investigation would face the full force of the law.
He assured Nigerians that no officer or individual, regardless of status, would be shielded if found culpable. “This report will not be swept under the carpet,” the minister said, adding that anyone who needed to be prosecuted would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The minister had earlier disclosed that the Niger State NSCDC commandant and officers who were on duty in the arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard units between September 15 and 17 had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. He said the suspensions would remain in place throughout the committee’s assignment.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government; and Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria.
Also on the committee are lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint newspaper representative Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi. The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
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