The Federal Government has set up a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the formation of the committee on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a full investigation into the incident.
The detainees died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while being held by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC. The exact cause of their deaths remains unknown, prompting the government to order an investigation into what happened.
The committee is expected to identify all the deceased and examine the events surrounding their arrest and detention. It will also investigate how the detainees died and the conditions under which they were held.
The panel will further determine whether any individual or organisation was responsible for negligence, misconduct or other actions connected to the deaths. It will also make recommendations on possible sanctions, compensation where necessary and steps that could help prevent a similar incident in the future.
The government warned that anyone who attempts to tamper with evidence, interfere with witnesses or frustrate the investigation could face consequences under the law.
The committee will be chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, as well as representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government.
The panel also has Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint Newspaper journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi as members.
The committee has the power to invite additional experts when necessary. It can also visit relevant locations, inspect facilities and documents and receive information or memoranda from members of the public as part of its investigation.
The panel is expected to complete its assignment within two weeks and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior.
Tunji-Ojo expressed sympathy to the families of those who died and appealed for calm as the investigation continues. The probe is expected to establish what led to the deaths and determine whether anyone should be held responsible.