FG INAUGURATES PANEL TO PROBE DEATHS OF 37 MINERS IN NSCDC CUSTODY
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the reported deaths of 37 persons who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.
The development follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which were reported on September 17, 2026.
The deceased were among persons detained by the NSCDC over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities in Niger State.
In response to the incident, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and other officers involved in the arrests and investigation, including personnel responsible for station and guard duties during the period under review.
The Federal Government said the suspensions would remain in force pending the outcome of the investigation.
Inaugurating the committee, Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation, stressing that all records and material evidence relating to the incident must be preserved and made available to the committee.
The Minister also authorised the committee to co-opt relevant experts, access facilities and official documents, visit locations connected to the incident, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from members of the public.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths and determine whether there were breaches of procedure or other issues requiring official action.
Chairman of the committee, retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, Mr Jonathan Kure, assured the Federal Government that members would carry out the assignment with utmost diligence.
The committee is also expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary measures and compensation where applicable, as well as safeguards to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
The Federal Government has given the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its findings to the Minister of Interior.
The committee is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Mr Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.Suggested UKATA hashtags:
#UKATANews #NigerState #NSCDC #IllegalMining #Mining #FederalGovernment #OlubunmiTunjiOjo #Tinubu #Investigation #HumanRights #PublicAccountability #NigeriaNews #Justice #Security #NigerDelt
