FG sets up panel over deaths of 37 detainees, suspends 20 NSCDC officers

The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held in the Corps’ custody in Niger State.

The development was conveyed in a statement signed by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.

The reported deaths occurred on Thursday, September 17, after the individuals were detained by the NSCDC Niger State Command on suspicion of illegal mining.

The Minister described the deaths as deeply disturbing, saying the Federal Government owed the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident.

According to the statement, the independent committee will establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrests, detention, as well as the causes and circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Read Also:

Gunmen kidnap traditional ruler in Kano community

Wali proposes new model to stabilise Nigeria’s petrol prices

Kano Polytechnic announces 2026/2027 part-time admission, lists available courses

It will also determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.

Tunji-Ojo directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee, while ordering that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to investigators.

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

10-member investigation 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 Nigerian Law School, will serve as Secretary.

Other members are AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retd.); 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; and a representative of the Niger State Government.

Others are Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the 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 may co-opt relevant experts, access necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public.

It has been given two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister.

20 NSCDC officers suspended

The 20 officers suspended, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps, are:

1. O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka
2. Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed
3. Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed
4. Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday
5. Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis
6. Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino
7. HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi
8. O/C Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado
9. Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed
10. Guard Duty, IC Abdullahi Sale
11. Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Sonfada
12. Guard Duty, CAI Liman Abubakar
13. Guard Duty, CAI Bala Usman
14. Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Jiya
15. Guard Duty, DSC Isah Suleiman
16. Guard Duty, CAI Ahmed Wushishi
17. Guard Duty, IC Sale Adamu
18. Guard Duty, IC Haruna Mohammed
19. Guard Duty, ASCI Aliyu Sallah
20. Guard Duty, CAI Isah Sanusi

The suspensions are pending the conclusion of the independent investigation.

The Minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the committee carries out its assignment.