The Federal Government has set up a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger state.
The deaths were reported after the victims were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining on Thursday, 17th September, 2026.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the committee was formed following a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a “comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation” into the incident.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered the suspension of all officers involved, pending the outcome of the investigation.
“Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing,” the minister said the government owes the families of the deceased and the public “a transparent account of the events leading to the incident.”
The committee will establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrests, detention and the “cause and circumstances of their deaths.”
It will also determine “responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct,” and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where necessary.
The minister ordered the NSCDC leadership and other officers involved to cooperate with the investigation and preserve all records and evidence.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.
The committee is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, while former Nigeria Law School Director-General Isa Hayatu Chiroma is secretary.
Twenty NSCDC officers were listed as suspended, in addition to the Niger State commandant.
The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the minister.
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