The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State on suspicion of illegal mining.

The development follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The Minister also ordered the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the committee’s investigation.

Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, Tunji-Ojo said the government owed the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events that led to the deaths.

The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

It is also expected to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.

The Minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee. He also ordered that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to investigators.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.

Members of the Committee

The members of the independent committee are:

Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services — Chairman

Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School — Secretary

AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired)

Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

Representative of the Minna Emirate Council

Representative of the Niger State Government

Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria

Mr Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist

Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino, Blueprint Newspaper

Dr George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst

The committee may co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public.

It has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.

Tunji-Ojo extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.