Medical Panel Probes Deaths of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

The Independent Committee of Inquiry investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has begun work, with its medical team tasked to determine the cause, mechanism, and manner of the fatalities.

In a statement issued Wednesday by the committee’s secretary, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), the panel confirmed it had adopted a work plan following its inaugural meeting.

The medical team has already commenced examinations, while the committee will also interview survivors, suspects, and other individuals with material knowledge of the incident.

The miners died on September 17, 2026, while detained at the NSCDC Niger State Command. The circumstances surrounding their deaths remain unclear.

The Federal Government inaugurated the 10-member panel on Tuesday, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the committee’s mandate includes identifying the deceased, establishing immediate and remote causes of death, and investigating the legality and conditions of the detention facility.

Tunji-Ojo stressed that the inquiry must determine whether the detainees were tortured, denied medical care, or subjected to inhumane treatment.

He warned against interference, saying any attempt to conceal evidence or intimidate witnesses would be treated as a serious offence.

The committee will also gather documents, visit relevant sites, and invite memoranda from individuals and organisations. It pledged to conduct a “thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based inquiry” and keep the public informed as its work progresses.

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

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