The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over suspected illegal mining.
This move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident of September 17, 2026.
The committee is tasked with establishing the identities of the deceased, examining the circumstances of their arrest, detention and deaths, determining responsibility, negligence or misconduct, and recommending appropriate action, including compensation where applicable. It has two weeks to submit its report.
Committee Members include:
- Jonathan Kure, mni — Chairman
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN — Secretary
- AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd.)
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari
- Representative, Minna Emirate Council
- Representative, Niger State Government
- Alhaji Liman Sulaiman — Miners Association of Nigeria
- Deji Adeyanju — Lawyer/Human Rights Activist
- Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino — Blueprint Newspaper
- Dr. George Agbakahi — Public Affairs Analyst
In addition to the Niger State Commandant, the following 20 officers have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The Minister directed the NSCDC and all relevant officers to cooperate fully and preserve all records and evidence warning that any attempt to conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee is empowered to co-opt experts, access relevant documents and facilities, visit locations and receive memoranda from the public.
Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm
