FG Inaugurates 10-Man Panel On 37 Miners’ Death In Niger, Minister Warns: “Do Not Intimidate Witnesses Or Obstruct Investigation”

The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the panel in Abuja, declared that government institutions must never become places of death.

He assured Nigerians that no officer found culpable would be shielded.

According to the Minister, the government received reports on September 17, 2026, that the 37 persons detained by the NSCDC over suspected illegal mining had died in custody. He described the incident as one of the lowest moments in recent memory.

Tunji-Ojo said no life should be lost in the custody of the state. He stressed that this is not who Nigeria is and not what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.

He noted that this administration was elected on the premise that every Nigerian life matters, and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism and respect for human rights.

Following President Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation, the Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC.

He also suspended all officers on arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17, adding that they remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

In a very strong note of warning captured on video, the Minister directly addressed the Commandant General of the NSCDC and all stakeholders.

He said, “Let me sound a very strong note of warning. CG NSCDC, yes sir this is for you and to all other stakeholders here but most especially CG NSCDC, any attempt by anybody to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offense against the nation and it will not be tolerated.”

He added, “If it ever happens, I give you my word, the full armour of the law will descend on such an individual.”

The Minister further directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the investigation.

He ordered them to ensure that all records and material evidence relating to the incident are preserved, warning that any interference would be treated as a serious offence.

He assured Nigerians that the government owes them the truth and that the committee will give them the truth.

He declared that no officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable, while appealing to families of the deceased to remain calm and patient.

The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the DSS, Jonathan Kure, with former DG of the Nigeria Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, as secretary.

Other members are retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Prof. Olayinka Buhari; representatives of Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; National Secretary of Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman; Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino and Dr George Agbakahi.

The Minister said the committee has full authority to co-opt experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, conduct forensic examinations and receive memoranda from the public.

He gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.