The Federal Government on Tuesday inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
Inaugurating the panel in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, declared that government institutions must never become places of death, assuring Nigerians that no officer found culpable would be shielded.
Tunji-Ojo said the government received reports on September 17, 2026, that the 37 persons detained by the NSCDC in connection with suspected illegal mining had died in custody.
“No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.
“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,” he said.
The minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the government and people of Niger State and other Nigerians affected by the incident, describing it as one of the lowest moments in recent memory.
He said that following President Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation, he ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and all officers on arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17.
