FG Sets Up 10-Member Panel to Probe Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, as Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo warned that anyone who conceals or destroys evidence will face serious legal consequences.

The committee was announced by Tunji-Ojo on Saturday, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubus directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident. The miners died on September 17 after they were arrested on suspicion of illegal mining, although the exact circumstances and cause of their deaths remain under investigation.

Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, the minister said the Federal Government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a truthful account of what happened. He stressed that the credibility of the investigation would depend on the preservation of evidence and the willingness of witnesses to testify freely.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” Tunji-Ojo said.

The independent panel has been mandated to investigate the arrests and detention of the victims, establish their identities, determine the medical and factual cause of death, and identify any acts of negligence, misconduct, complicity or criminal responsibility. It will also recommend disciplinary or legal action where necessary, as well as compensation for affected families where applicable.

The committee is 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 include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor of Histopathology Olayinka Buhari, representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government, Deji Adeyanju, Zainab Suleiman Okino, George Agbakahi, and Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria.

The panel has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior. It has also been empowered to visit locations connected to the incident, access detention facilities and official records, co-opt technical experts, and receive memoranda from members of the public.

Tunji-Ojo also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with investigators and preserve every document, record and material evidence linked to the case. As part of the government’s immediate response, the Federal Government suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 additional officers pending the outcome of the investigation.

Among those suspended are the Officer-in-Charge of Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka; Arresting Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday; DCC Obafemi Elvis; CSC Annas Shitto Lamino; DCC Philip Ajayi; and ACC Barrister Stephen Tsado, alongside several officers assigned to station guard and duty responsibilities.

The deaths triggered violent protests in Shiroro Local Government Area, where residents demanded justice for the deceased. The demonstrations later escalated into attacks on government facilities, banks, political party offices and private businesses, prompting Governor Umar Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew to restore order across affected communities.

The incident has renewed national scrutiny of security operations linked to illegal mining, a sector that has long been plagued by weak regulation, criminal activity and tensions between mining communities and law enforcement agencies in mineral-rich parts of Niger State. Human rights groups have called for the investigation to remain independent and for its findings to be made public.

As the committee begins its work, the Federal Government’s response will be measured not only by whether it establishes how the 37 miners died, but also by whether it delivers accountability, justice for the victims’ families and renewed public confidence in Nigeria’s security institutions.