FG Orders Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Suspected Miners In NSCDC Custody
FG Orders Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Suspected Miners In NSCDC Custody
The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command.
The victims were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital. They were found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 17.
Announcing the probe on Saturday, Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo said the action followed a directive by President Bola Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as deeply disturbing and said the government owes the families of the deceased and the public a transparent account of what happened.
He constituted a 10-member independent committee chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Mr. Jonathan Kure, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as Secretary.
The committee is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrest, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths, and determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct. It will also recommend sanctions, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent recurrence.
The minister ordered the immediate suspension of 21 officers involved, including Niger State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, arresting officers, station guards and guard duty personnel.
The NSCDC had initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while survivors alleged overcrowding and poor ventilation. Post-mortem examinations are expected. Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses will be treated as a serious offence.
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