FG sets up 10-member panel to investigate Dldeaths of 37 miners in Niger

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the panel on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.

The 37 detainees died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while being held by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC.

Authorities have yet to establish the cause of the deaths, with investigations expected to determine what transpired before, during and after the detainees were taken into custody.

In a statement signed by Tunji-Ojo, the Federal Government said the committee would establish the identities of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrests and detention.

The panel is also mandated to determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths and establish whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.

Its terms of reference include investigating possible complicity, negligence and misconduct, as well as recommending appropriate sanctions, compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The minister warned against any attempt to interfere with the inquiry or compromise evidence.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he said.

The committee will be chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure.

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Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, was appointed secretary.

Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma and Professor 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 another representing the Niger State Government are also members of the panel.

The committee further 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 government said the panel would have broad powers to conduct its investigation.

It may co-opt specialists considered necessary for its work, inspect relevant facilities and obtain documents and other evidence connected to the incident.

The committee is also authorised to visit locations relevant to the investigation and invite memoranda from members of the public and other stakeholders.

The Federal Government has given the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.

The investigation comes amid growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees and calls for accountability.

Tunji-Ojo expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed to residents and other stakeholders to remain calm while the panel carries out its work.

The minister said the investigation would provide an opportunity to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine appropriate steps based on its findings.

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