The Nigerian Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported death of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, North Central Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the probe on Friday, saying it was in compliance with a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation.
The incident, which involved persons arrested on suspicion of illegal mining, occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026, under the Niger State Command of the Corps.
Pending the outcome of the investigation, the minister has ordered the immediate suspension of 21 officers, including the Niger State Commandant.
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Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, Tunji-Ojo said the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of what happened.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” the Minister warned.
He directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and to preserve all records and material evidence.
According to the minister, the committee is mandated to:
– Establish the identities of the deceased;
– Investigate the circumstances of their arrest, detention and death;
– Determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct;
– Recommend appropriate sanctions, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent recurrence.
The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
It is also empowered to co-opt experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and call for memoranda from the public.
Members of the Committee include:
1. Mr Jonathan Kure, MNI, retired Deputy Director-General, DSS – Chairman
2. Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former DG, Nigerian Law School – Secretary
3. AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd)
4. Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former CMD, UITH
5. Representative of the Minna Emirate Council
6. Representative of Niger State Government
7. Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria
8. Mr Deji Adeyanju, Human Rights Activist and Lawyer
9. Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino, Blueprint Newspaper
10. Dr George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst
In addition to the State Commandant, other officers suspended are:
1. SC Usman Isah Ndamaka – O/C Station Guard
2. ASCI Hassan Mohammed – Station Guard
3. CCA Bala Mohammed – Station Guard
4. CSC Oluwadare Sunday – Arresting Officer / O/C Investigation
5. DCC Obafemi Elvis – Arresting Officer
6. CSC Annas Shitto Lamino – Arresting Officer
7. DCC Philip Ajayi – HOD INT/INV
8. ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado – O/C Legal
9. ASCI Alhassan Mohammed – Day/Night Duty Officer
10. IC Abdullahi Sale – Guard Duty
11. IC Mohammed Sonfada – Guard Duty
12. CAI Liman Abubakar – Guard Duty
13. CAI Bala Usman – Guard Duty
14. IC Mohammed Jiya – Guard Duty
15. DSC Isah Suleiman – Guard Duty
16. CAI Ahmed Wushishi – Guard Duty
17. IC Sale Adamu – Guard Duty
18. IC Haruna Mohammed – Guard Duty
19. ASCI Aliyu Sallah – Guard Duty
20. CAI Isah Sanusi – Guard Duty
The minister extended condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation lasts.
