By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths reported on September 17, 2026.
The deceased were among persons detained by the NSCDC over suspected involvement in illegal mining activities in Niger State.
Following the incident, Tunji-Ojo ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers who were involved in arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties during the period under review.
The Federal Government said the suspensions would remain in place pending the outcome of the investigation.
FG Gives Panel Two Weeks to Complete Investigation
The Federal Government has given the 10-member committee two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
The committee has been authorised to co-opt relevant experts, access facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The Minister also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee.
He ordered that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to the investigators.
Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
FG Seeks Answers
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo said the government owed the families of the deceased and Nigerians a transparent account of what happened.
He said the committee would establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the cause and manner of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations.
The committee is also expected to determine whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred.
It will subsequently recommend appropriate disciplinary action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
Jonathan Kure Heads Investigation
The committee is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Mr Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
Committee Promises Open-Minded Investigation
Speaking after his inauguration, Kure said the committee members regarded their appointment as a national responsibility and would approach the assignment with integrity.
He assured Nigerians and the families of the deceased that the committee would conduct its investigation with open minds and would not be influenced by sentiments, media narratives or preconceived conclusions.
Kure said the committee’s final report would be based on the facts established during its investigation.
He also appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in the country, saying the exercise must be conducted in a manner that helps restore confidence and ensures that justice is served where the evidence establishes responsibility.
Cause of Death Yet to Be Established
The Federal Government has not announced a final cause of death for the 37 detainees.
The investigation is expected to examine the circumstances of their arrests, their condition when they were taken into custody, the conditions of their detention, medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their deaths.
The Niger State Government has also indicated that medical, forensic and autopsy examinations were being undertaken to establish the scientific cause of the deaths.
The Federal Government has appealed for calm from the families and communities affected by the incident while the investigation continues.
With a two-week deadline, the committee is expected to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior for further government action.
