The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained in Niger State, and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the measures on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, a development that had first surfaced as reports of a suspected disease outbreak among the detainees.
Key Highlights
- FG suspends 20 NSCDC officers over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
- A 10-member independent committee has been constituted to investigate the incident.
- The panel has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report.
- The committee will examine the arrests, detention conditions and causes of the deaths.
- The panel will investigate possible negligence, misconduct, complicity and responsibility.
- FG directs NSCDC officials to preserve evidence and cooperate with investigators.
- The investigation may recommend appropriate action and compensation where applicable.
Tunji-Ojo said the affected officers would remain suspended pending the conclusion of the investigation.
The suspended personnel include Station Guard SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, Station Guard ASCI Hassan Mohammed, Station Guard CCA Bala Mohammed, Arresting Officer and Officer-in-Charge of Investigation CSC Oluwadare Sunday, Arresting Officer DCC Obafemi Elvis and Arresting Officer CSC Annas Shitto Lamino.
Others are Head of Intelligence and Investigation DCC Philip Ajayi, Officer-in-Charge of Legal ACC Barrister Stephen Tsado, Day and Night Duty Officer ASCI Alhassan Mohammed and other officers assigned to guard duties. The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, had also been suspended earlier in connection with the incident.
Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, Tunji-Ojo said the government had a responsibility to provide the families of the deceased and the wider public with a clear account of what happened.
Committee Membership And Mandate
The independent committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a 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; human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint Newspaper journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Read also:
- Niger Mining Tragedy: Survivor Raises Alarm Over Substance Sprayed In Cell
- Niger State Sets Up Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Illegal Miners In NSCDC Custody
- What Really Happened To 37 Suspected Illegal Miners’ Deaths In NSCDC Custody In Niger?
Its terms of reference include establishing the identities of the deceased, examining the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, determining the causes and circumstances of their deaths, and identifying any cases of negligence, misconduct, complicity or other responsibility.
The committee has the authority to visit locations connected to the incident, access relevant documents and facilities, engage experts and receive memoranda from members of the public.
Tunji-Ojo also directed the NSCDC leadership and other officials involved to cooperate fully with the panel and preserve all records and material evidence relevant to the investigation. He warned that anyone who attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face the consequences of the law.
The victims were reportedly arrested on September 15 and 16 during NSCDC enforcement operations targeting suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State before being detained in Minna.
The exact cause of the deaths remains subject to investigation. Earlier accounts from NSCDC officials referred to a suspected disease outbreak, while authorities ordered further medical investigations to establish the actual cause.
The Federal Government’s panel is expected to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence. Follow us on X for more updates.
