FG Probes 37 Deaths In Niger NSCDC Custody; Suspends 21 Officers

ABUJA, NIGERIA — The Federal Government has set up a 10-member independent investigative committee to look into the deaths of 37 people who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the committee following an order from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The 37 individuals were being held by the NSCDC Niger State Command on suspicion of illegal mining before the incident occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

As a direct result of the incident, the Minister ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant alongside 20 other officers involved in the arrests, detention, and guard duties.

The independent committee will be chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN) serving as the Secretary. Other members include human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, medical experts, media representatives, and officials from the Niger State Government and the Minna Emirate Council.

The panel has been given a strict two-week deadline to establish the identities of the deceased, determine the exact cause of death, and identify any professional negligence or misconduct.

Minister Tunji-Ojo described the custodial deaths as “deeply disturbing” and warned that any attempts by NSCDC personnel to destroy evidence or intimidate witnesses would be treated as a serious offence. He extended his condolences to the affected families and appealed to the public for calm while the investigation is underway.