By Peace Udugba,-The Daily Torch Media
The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people held in the Corps’ custody in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the measures on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
The 37 detainees reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command after being arrested over suspected illegal mining. The exact cause and circumstances of the deaths have not been conclusively established.
The suspension of the 20 officers is in addition to that of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who was earlier removed from duty pending the outcome of investigations.
Tunji-Ojo said the Federal Government was committed to establishing what led to the deaths, adding that the families of the deceased and Nigerians deserved a transparent account of what happened to the detainees.
According to the minister, the independent committee will establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.
It will also determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths, investigate possible responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable.
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.
Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari, 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; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju; journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst, Dr George Agbakahi.
The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the incident to cooperate fully with the committee. He also ordered the preservation and release of all records and material evidence relating to the incident.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee may co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit locations connected to the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
The Federal Government’s action comes amid public concern and protests over the deaths. Earlier reports had linked the fatalities to a suspected disease outbreak, but the NSCDC national headquarters said the cause had not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations were required.
The minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the independent investigation proceeds.
