37 Miners’ Deaths In NSCDC Custody: Probe Panel Submits Report Tomorrow

The 10-member independent investigative committee probing the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State will submit its report to the Federal Government tomorrow, Tuesday, 6 October 2026.

The committee was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on 22 September and given two weeks to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and submit its findings.

LEADERSHIP reports that the submission will mark the culmination of a Federal Government-ordered investigation following concerns over the deaths of the miners while in NSCDC custody.

The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.

Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, 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 of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspapers; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

At the inauguration in Abuja, Tunji-Ojo charged the committee to establish the facts surrounding the incident, stressing that justice would be an important legacy the government could offer the deceased and their families.

The minister said the investigation would go beyond establishing the identities and causes of death to determine whether the detainees were tortured, subjected to inhumane treatment or denied medical attention while in custody.

The committee was also mandated to investigate possible negligence, misconduct or other breaches of duty by officers involved in the arrest, detention and handling of the deceased.

It was directed to examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility, the duration of the miners’ detention and whether relevant laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were complied with.

The panel was further tasked with investigating the circumstances surrounding the arrest and detention of the deceased and reviewing the NSCDC’s operational mandate and rules of engagement in enforcing laws against illegal mining.

As part of its assignment, the committee was authorised to interview officers involved in the arrests and detention, other detainees, relatives of the deceased, witnesses, medical personnel and other persons with relevant information.

It was also expected to examine medical and autopsy reports, detention records, photographs, and other physical and material evidence related to the incident.

The committee was mandated to determine whether individual or institutional culpability existed and recommend appropriate disciplinary, administrative or legal action against anyone found culpable.

It was also expected to recommend compensation or other remedial measures for the families of the deceased, where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.

Tunji-Ojo said the government owed the families of the deceased and Nigerians the truth about what happened.

“To the deceased, I say this. We might not be able to give you any other gift, but we’ll give you the only gift that is left for Nigeria to offer you. Justice. To the deceased, justice will be done,” he said.

Officers suspended

Ahead of the investigation, the minister disclosed that the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and officers who were on duty covering arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17 had been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.

He said the suspensions would remain in force while the committee carried out its assignment.

The deaths

The 37 miners reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command.

They were among the persons arrested in connection with alleged illegal mining activities in the state.

The circumstances surrounding their deaths, including the cause and manner of death and the conditions under which they were detained, are among the issues before the investigative panel.

The deaths prompted the Federal Government to order an independent investigation to establish what happened and determine whether any person or institution should be held responsible.

With the committee due to submit its report tomorrow, attention will now turn to its findings and recommendations, as well as the Federal Government’s next steps.

The report is expected to provide answers to the families of the deceased and indicate whether disciplinary, administrative or legal action should be taken against any officer or institution found culpable.

It may also contain recommendations on compensation or other remedial measures for the affected families, as well as reforms aimed at preventing a recurrence.