The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 persons held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, over alleged illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the constitution of the committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The deaths were reportedly recorded on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
According to the Minister, the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
It will also determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The committee is chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as Secretary.
Other members are AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd); 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; and a representative of the Niger State Government.
The committee also includes Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist, Mr Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation.
He further ordered that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to the committee.
Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.
It may also co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public.
The Minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
