The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State over alleged illegal mining.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, inaugurated the committee on Tuesday in Abuja, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation into the incident.

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

Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; and a representative of the Niger State Government.

The committee also comprises Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.

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

The cause of the deaths has yet to be established, with the Federal Government ordering an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Speaking during the inauguration, Tunji-Ojo thanked President Tinubu for constituting the committee and directing a probe, saying the move was aimed at establishing the facts and ensuring justice for the victims.

The minister also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as the investigation continues.

More to follow…