By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.
The detainees, who were arrested over suspected illegal mining, died on Thursday, September 17, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths have not yet been established.
According to the minister, the committee will identify the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as determine the cause of their deaths.
It will also investigate possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.
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 is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a 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.
Also on the panel are Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Blueprint Newspaper journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
The committee has been given two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
It may also invite experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The Federal Government expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.
