The Federal Government has set up an independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
The move comes amid growing calls for answers over the 37 miners’ deaths in NSCDC custody, with Peter Obi also urging authorities to conduct a transparent investigation.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the decision in a statement dated September 19, 2026.
The move follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a full and transparent investigation.
The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
The deceased were among people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Niger State Command over alleged illegal mining activities.
FG Sets Up 10-Member Committee
Tunji-Ojo has appointed a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The committee will identify the deceased and review their arrests and detention.
It will also investigate how and why the deaths occurred.
The panel will determine whether any officer bears responsibility for the incident.
It will also examine possible negligence, misconduct or complicity.
The committee will recommend appropriate action based on its findings. It may also recommend compensation where necessary.
The minister directed NSCDC officials to cooperate fully with the investigation.
He also ordered authorities to preserve all records and evidence linked to the case.
Tunji-Ojo warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation.
He said anyone who destroys evidence, intimidates witnesses or obstructs the panel will face serious consequences.
Members of the Investigation Panel
Retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, mni, will chair the committee.
Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma and Prof. Olayinka Buhari.
Buhari is a professor of histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
The Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government will each provide a representative.
The panel also includes Alhaji Liman Sulaiman of the Miners Association of Nigeria.
Lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju is also a member.
Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper and public affairs analyst Dr. George Agbakahi complete the panel.
The committee can invite additional experts when necessary.
It can also access relevant facilities and documents during the investigation.
The panel may visit locations connected to the case and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The minister gave the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.
FG Suspends 20 Officers
The ministry also released the names of officers suspended over the incident.
The suspension covers 20 officers, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC.
Those suspended include station guards, arresting officers, investigation personnel and duty officers.
The list includes SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, ASCI Hassan Mohammed and CCA Bala Mohammed.
Other suspended officers include CSC Oluwadare Sunday, DCC Obafemi Elvis and CSC Annas Shitto Lamino.
DCC Philip Ajayi, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado and ASCI Alhassan Mohammed also face suspension.
The remaining officers are:
- IC Abdullahi Sale
- IC Mohammed Sonfada
- CAI Liman Abubakar
- CAI Bala Usman
- IC Mohammed Jiya
- DSC Isah Suleiman
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi
- IC Sale Adamu
- IC Haruna Mohammed
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah
- CAI Isah Sanusi
The NSCDC custody deaths investigation will determine whether any of the suspended officers bears responsibility for the incident.
Minister Appeals for Calm
Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of those who died.
He also appealed for calm while the independent committee carries out its work.
The government said the investigation should provide a clear account of what happened and establish responsibility where the evidence supports it.
The findings will also guide any further action by the authorities.