37 miners: FG warns against evidence tampering, inaugurates 10-man panel over deaths

The federal government has formally inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected miners in the custody of the Niger state Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, (NSCDC).

On September 17, 2026, report broke that 37 persons detained by the NSCDC in connection with suspected illegal mining had died in custody.

While inaugurating the investigative panel Tuesday in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, assured the general public that no officer found culpable would be shielded, adding that government institutions must never become places of death.

“No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.

“This administration was elected on the premise that every Nigerian life matters, and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism and respect for human rights,” he said.

The minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the government and people of Niger State and other Nigerians affected by the incident, describing it as one of the lowest moments in recent memory.

He said that following President Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation, he ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and all officers on arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17.

According to the minister, the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

It will also determine, through appropriate medical and forensic examinations, the cause and manner of death, as well as investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred.

The panel is further expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable and steps to prevent a recurrence.

The Minister announced retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, as chairman of the committee, while a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, will serve as secretary.

Other members are retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olayinka Buhari; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; and a public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.

Tunji-Ojo said the committee had full authority to co-opt experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.

He gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.

He also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that all records and material evidence relating to the incident were preserved.

The minister warned against interference with the probe panel, saying any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the committee would be treated as a serious offence.

“To Nigerians, I say this: we owe you the truth. This Committee will give you the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” he declared.

Tunji-Ojo appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm and patient, assuring them that the government would not abandon them.

Responding on behalf of the committee, Kure described the assignment as a call to national service rather than a mere appointment.

He assured Nigerians that the panel would conduct the investigation with open minds and without sentiments or media pressure, promising that its findings would be delivered with its integrity intact.