37 Miners’ Deaths: Probe Panel Submits Report Today

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), October 6, 2026.

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

The committee, chaired by retired deputy director-general of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, has Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as its secretary.

Other members include 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.

LEADERSHIP reports that the submission will mark the culmination of a probe instituted by the federal government following widespread concerns over the deaths of the miners while in NSCDC custody.

At the inauguration of the committee in Abuja, the Minister of Interior charged members of the panel to uncover the truth behind the incident, stressing that justice would be the most important legacy the government could offer the deceased and their families.

The minister said then that 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 leading to 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 connected with the incident.

The committee was further 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.

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

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

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

The controversy surrounding the deaths prompted the Federal Government to order an independent investigation aimed at establishing the facts and determining whether any person or institution should be held responsible.

Our correspondent reports that with the committee due to submit its report tomorrow, attention will now turn to its findings and recommendations, as well as the next steps to be taken by the federal government.

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