General News
37 Deaths in NSCDC Custody: Interior Minister Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, on suspicion of illegal mining.
The action follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The Minister also ordered the suspension of all 20 officers involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation.
Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, the Minister said the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident.
The independent committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrests, detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo urged the committee to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.
The Minister also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to fully cooperate with the committee. He further directed that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to the investigators.
He warned that any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The Minister stressed that the committee may co-opt relevant experts, access all necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public. He added that the committee has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report.
He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.