On 17 September 2026, 37 suspected illegal miners died while in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). In response, the federal government suspended 20 officers and ordered an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
President Bola Tinubu directed a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered inquiry. Minister of Interior Dr Olubunmi Tunji‑Ojo announced the measures, describing the deaths as “deeply disturbing” and warning that any attempt to destroy evidence or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence. All officers linked to the incident were suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
The investigation will be carried out by a 10‑member independent committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director‑General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, and with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, as secretary. Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi. The committee has two weeks to submit its report and may co‑opt experts, access documents and visit sites related to the incident.
Its mandate is to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the arrests, detention conditions and medical care provided, and determine responsibility, negligence or misconduct. The committee will also recommend compensation where applicable and propose measures to prevent a recurrence.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, a member of the panel, said he would not accept any financial benefit and would personally bear his costs. “I will not accept any such payment, and I will not participate in or tolerate any attempt to compromise the investigation or cover up wrongdoing,” he said. Adeyanju warned that any attempt to shield those responsible or suppress the truth would be exposed.
In a related development, NSCDC deployed Abdulhamid Kabara as the new Commandant of the Niger State Command, following the suspension of Suberu Aniviye. NSCDC spokesperson Abubakar Muti said Kabara formally assumed office on Friday, 18 September, expressing “deep sadness over the unfortunate deaths” and taking over leadership at a sensitive time for the command.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
