By By Elizabeth Ugbo
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody in Niger State on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The detainees faced allegations linked to illegal mining.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a transparent investigation. The government also suspended 21 NSCDC officers pending the outcome of the probe.
FG Orders Independent Investigation
The investigation will examine the arrests, detention and deaths of the 37 detainees.
The committee will also establish the identities of those who died and determine how the incident occurred.
Furthermore, investigators will examine possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct.
The committee will recommend appropriate action based on its findings. It may also recommend compensation where necessary.
The Minister described the reported deaths as deeply disturbing. He said the government owes the families a transparent account of the incident.
Committee to Preserve Evidence
Tunji-Ojo directed NSCDC officials to cooperate fully with the investigation.
He also ordered officials to preserve all records and material evidence linked to the incident.
The committee may access relevant facilities, documents and locations during its investigation.
It can also request memoranda from members of the public and invite relevant experts.
The committee has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.
The Minister warned against attempts to destroy or conceal evidence.
He also warned against intimidating witnesses or obstructing the investigation.
Members of the Independent Committee
The Federal Government appointed the following members to the 10-member committee:
- Jonathan Kure, mni – Retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services, Chairman.
- Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN – Former Director-General, Nigerian Law School, Secretary.
- AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired).
- Prof. Olayinka Buhari – Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.
- Representative of the Minna Emirate Council.
- Representative of the Niger State Government.
- Alhaji Liman Sulaiman – National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria.
- Deji Adeyanju – Lawyer and human rights activist.
- Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino – Blueprint Newspaper.
- Dr. George Agbakahi – Public Affairs Analyst.
FG Suspends 21 NSCDC Officers
The government also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers.
The suspended officers are:
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka – O/C Station Guard.
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed – Station Guard.
- CCA Bala Mohammed – Station Guard.
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday – Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation.
- DCC Obafemi Elvis – Arresting Officer.
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino – Arresting Officer.
- DCC Philip Ajayi – HOD INT/INV.
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado – O/C Legal.
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed – Day/Night Duty Officer.
- IC Abdullahi Sale – Guard Duty.
- IC Mohammed Sonfada – Guard Duty.
- CAI Liman Abubakar – Guard Duty.
- CAI Bala Usman – Guard Duty.
- IC Mohammed Jiya – Guard Duty.
- DSC Isah Suleiman – Guard Duty.
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi – Guard Duty.
- IC Sale Adamu – Guard Duty.
- IC Haruna Mohammed – Guard Duty.
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah – Guard Duty.
- CAI Isah Sanusi – Guard Duty.
The Niger State Commandant was also suspended, bringing the total number of suspended officers to 21.
Government Appeals for Calm
The Federal Government has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
It also appealed for calm while the independent investigation continues.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths. It will also determine whether any officers or other individuals bear responsibility.
The government said evidence must remain available throughout the process.
The committee’s report is expected within two weeks of its assignment.
The NSCDC is Nigeria’s civil defence agency, with commands across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
