The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The development followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the constitution of the committee on Saturday and ordered the suspension of 20 NSCDC officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the investigation.
The government stated that the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, determine the cause of death, and establish whether there was responsibility, complicity, negligence, or misconduct. The committee will also recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
Full List of Committee Members
- Mr Jonathan Kure, mni — Chairman; retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS).
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN — Secretary; former Director-General, Nigerian Law School.
- AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd.) — Member.
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari — Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
- Representative of the Minna Emirate Council — Member.
- Representative of the Niger State Government — Member.
- 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 Federal Government stated that the committee may co-opt relevant experts, access facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident, and receive memoranda from members of the public. It has been given two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
20 NSCDC Officers SuspendedThe Interior Ministry also released the names and positions of 20 officers suspended in connection with the incident:
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka — O/C Station Guard
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed — Station Guard
- CCA Bala Mohammed — Station Guard
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday — Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
- DCC Obafemi Elvis — Arresting Officer
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino — Arresting Officer
- DCC Philip Ajayi — HOD INT/INV
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado — O/C Legal
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed — Day/Night Duty Officer
- IC Abdullahi Sale — Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Sonfada — Guard Duty
- CAI Liman Abubakar — Guard Duty
- CAI Bala Usman — Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Jiya — Guard Duty
- DSC Isah Suleiman — Guard Duty
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi — Guard Duty
- IC Sale Adamu — Guard Duty
- IC Haruna Mohammed — Guard Duty
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah — Guard Duty
- CAI Isah Sanusi — Guard Duty
The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has also been suspended separately as investigations continue. The Niger State Government has ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to establish the exact cause of the deaths.
President Tinubu has stressed that being suspected of illegal mining does not remove a person’s right to life, dignity, and humane treatment while in government custody. He said any official whose action, abuse, or negligence is established to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted. The President also warned that the suspension of officers is only an administrative measure and must not replace a proper determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
Meanwhile, the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured the Niger State Government that the police will conduct a thorough investigation into the deaths and work with the NSCDC and state authorities to establish what happened.
The cause and circumstances of the deaths remain subject to investigation. The Federal Government has appealed for calm while the independent committee works to establish the facts and determine responsibility.
