BREAKING: FG inaugurates committee to probe Niger miners’ deaths

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

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

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

Other members are retired AIG 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 includes 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 not been established, with authorities ordering an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The minister, in his remarks, thanked Tinubu for constituting the committee and directing an investigation into the incident, saying the move was aimed at ensuring justice for the victims.

Tunji-Ojo also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation was ongoing.

The minister added that the committee has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the minister.

He said, “Government institutions should be places of security, not death. My condolences go to the families and all Nigerians affected. Following the President’s directive for a transparent investigation, two actions were taken: the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commander of the Corps and all officers on duty between September 15 and 17, and the inauguration of a 10-member independent investigation committee to establish the truth.

“As you can see from the membership of this committee, there is absolutely no excuse for justice not to be done. Let your performance and your sustained integrity over the years justify what will be done.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offence against the nation and will not be tolerated. If it ever happens, I give you my word, the full hammer of the law will descend on such an individual.”