FG Constitutes 10-Member Panel To Investigate 37 NSCDC Detainee Deaths [FULL LIST]

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 individuals held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over alleged illegal mining activities.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the creation of the panel on Saturday, acting on a direct order from President Bola Tinubu for a full-scale inquiry into the tragedy.

The 37 suspects died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while being detained at the NSCDC Niger State Command facility.

The precise cause of death remains unconfirmed, prompting federal authorities to launch an investigation to uncover the exact sequence of events leading to the incident.

According to an official statement signed by the Minister, the committee is mandated to verify the identities of the victims, review the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, and determine the exact cause of death.

Furthermore, the panel is tasked with identifying instances of negligence, misconduct, or complicity, recommending appropriate sanctions, suggesting compensation where applicable, and proposing measures to prevent future occurrences.

Minister Tunji-Ojo issued a strong warning against interference, stating that “any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.”

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

The full membership of the 10-member panel includes:

1. Jonathan Kure (Retired Deputy Director-General, DSS) – Chairman
2. Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN (Former DG, Nigerian Law School) – Secretary
3. Hosea Hassan Karma (Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police)
4. Professor Olayinka Buhari (Professor of Histopathology & Former CMD, UITH)
5. Representative of the Minna Emirate Council
6. Representative of the Niger State Government
7. Alhaji Liman Sulaiman (National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria)
8. Deji Adeyanju (Lawyer and Human Rights Activist)
9. Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino (Blueprint Newspaper)
10. Dr. George Agbakahi (Public Affairs Analyst)

The panel has been authorized to co-opt necessary experts, inspect facilities and documentation, conduct site visits, and receive public memoranda.

The committee has been given a two-week deadline to complete its assignment and present its final report to the Minister.

Expressing his condolences to the bereaved families, the Minister appealed to the public to maintain calm and allow the investigative panel to carry out its duties.