The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the deaths of 37 people who died while held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The detainees were arrested during operations targeting suspected illegal mining in areas including M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto, and the deaths are reported to have occurred on September 17, 2026.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inaugurates the panel in Abuja on Tuesday, acting on a directive from President Bola Tinubu. Sources say the committee is chaired by retired Department of State Services official Jonathan Kure, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma as secretary. Other members include senior law enforcement, medical expertise, and human rights representation, as well as nominees from relevant traditional and state stakeholders.
Across outlets, the central focus is the government’s stated intent to establish the facts, including the identities of the deceased, the circumstances of arrest and detention, and the cause of death, along with any responsibility or misconduct. Vanguard adds that authorities warn against evidence tampering and state that no officer will be shielded. The panel is given two weeks to produce a report, with possible recommendations covering accountability, preventive measures, and compensation.
