The Federal Government has constituted 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 (NSCDC) in Niger State.


The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following a directive from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.


The deaths reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, while the detainees were being held by the NSCDC Niger State Command over alleged illegal mining activities. The exact circumstances and cause of the deaths remain subject to investigation.


The committee will be chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.


Other members are 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; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist; Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.


The committee has been tasked with establishing the identities of the deceased and investigating their arrest, detention and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.


It will also examine possible responsibility, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.


The Federal Government has directed relevant authorities to preserve and provide all records and material evidence connected to the incident. The committee may also visit relevant locations, access facilities and documents, invite memoranda from members of the public and co-opt experts where necessary.


The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.


In a related development, the Federal Government has suspended 20 NSCDC officers, including officers connected with the arrest, detention and handling of the detainees, pending the outcome of the investigation.


The development follows growing public concern over the deaths, with the government stressing the need to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine responsibility.