FG Sets Up Probe Panel Over Reported Deaths of 37 in NSCDC Custody, Suspends 20 Officers
Interior Minister orders transparent investigation, releases names of suspended personnel
By Democracy Newsline News Desk
The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, over alleged illegal mining activities.
The development followed a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Announcing the decision in a statement on Saturday, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said he had also directed the suspension of all officers allegedly involved in the incident pending the outcome of the independent investigation.
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The Minister described the reported deaths as “deeply disturbing,” stressing that the Federal Government owed the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of what transpired.
According to the statement, the committee will establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
It will also determine issues of responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, while recommending appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
Tunji-Ojo directed the leadership of the NSCDC and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee.
He further ordered that all records and material evidence relating to the incident be preserved and made available to investigators.
The Minister warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
Who Is on the Investigative Committee?
The committee is chaired by Mr Jonathan Kure, mni, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as Secretary.
Other members are AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired); Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria; lawyer and human rights activist Mr Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr. George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.
The committee has been empowered to co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit locations connected with the incident and request memoranda from members of the public.
It has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
20 Officers Suspended
The Minister also released the names and positions of 20 officers suspended in connection with the incident, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC.
They are:
- SC Usman Isah Ndamaka – O/C Station Guard
- ASCI Hassan Mohammed – Station Guard
- CCA Bala Mohammed – Station Guard
- CSC Oluwadare Sunday – Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
- DCC Obafemi Elvis – Arresting Officer
- CSC Annas Shitto Lamino – Arresting Officer
- DCC Philip Ajayi – HOD INT/INV
- ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado – O/C Legal
- ASCI Alhassan Mohammed – Day/Night Duty Officer
- IC Abdullahi Sale – Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Sonfada – Guard Duty
- CAI Liman Abubakar – Guard Duty
- CAI Bala Usman – Guard Duty
- IC Mohammed Jiya – Guard Duty
- DSC Isah Suleiman – Guard Duty
- CAI Ahmed Wushishi – Guard Duty
- IC Sale Adamu – Guard Duty
- IC Haruna Mohammed – Guard Duty
- ASCI Aliyu Sallah – Guard Duty
- CAI Isah Sanusi – Guard Duty
The suspensions are pending the conclusion of the committee’s investigation and should not be construed as a determination of guilt.
The Federal Government, through the Minister, extended condolences to the families of the reported victims and appealed for calm as the investigation gets underway.
The probe is expected to provide clarity on the identities of those who died, the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, the causes of death and whether any officers or other persons bear responsibility for the incident.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper, September 19, 2026
