FG Inaugurates 10-member Committee To Probe Death Of 37 In NSCDC Custody
By Anne Osemekeh, Abuja
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The committee, inaugurated in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was constituted on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
The victims were among alleged illegal miners detained by the NSCDC in Minna, Niger State, following an operation in August 2026. Their deaths in custody sparked public outrage and calls from civil society groups and human rights advocates for an independent investigation.
Tunji-Ojo said the committee must operate independently and establish the facts without interference, stressing that justice for the victims and their families remained paramount.
According to the minister, the panel will identify the deceased, investigate the circumstances of their arrest and detention, determine the cause of death through medical and forensic examinations, establish whether negligence or misconduct occurred, and recommend disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable, and safeguards against future incidents.
He directed the NSCDC and other relevant agencies to cooperate fully with the investigation and warned that any attempt to conceal evidence or obstruct the probe would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, with former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), serving as secretary. It is expected to begin work immediately and submit its report within two weeks.
