The FG set up a 10-member panel to investigate the deaths of 37 miners in Niger

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps in Niger State.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the panel on Saturday following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.

The 37 detainees died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while being detained by the NSCDC Niger State Command.

Authorities do not yet know the cause of the deaths, and the investigation is expected to determine what happened before, during and after the detainees were taken into custody.

In a statement signed by Tunji-Ojo, the Federal Government said the committee would establish the identity of the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

This panel is also mandated to determine the cause and circumstances of death and determine whether any individual or institution is responsible.

Its terms of reference include investigating possible complicity, negligence and misconduct, as well as recommending appropriate sanctions, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent recurrence.

The minister warned against any attempts to interfere with the investigation or compromise evidence.

“Any attempt to destroy or hide evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct investigations will be considered serious offences,” he said.

The committee will be chaired by retired Deputy Director General of the Department of Foreign Services, Jonathan Kure.

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Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director General of the Nigerian Law School, was appointed as secretary.

Other members include retired Assistant Inspector General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma and Professor Olayinka Buhari, a professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital.

A representative from the Minna Emirates Council and another representing the Niger State Government were also members of the panel.

The committee further includes Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Nigerian Miners Association; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspapers; and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.

The government said the panel would have broad powers to investigate.

The agency can co-opt experts it deems necessary in its work, inspect related facilities and obtain documents and other evidence relating to the incident.

The committee also has the authority to visit locations relevant to the investigation and invite memorandums from the public and other stakeholders.

The Federal Government gave the committee two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister of Home Affairs.

The investigation comes amid growing concern over detainee deaths and demands for accountability.

Tunji-Ojo expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed to residents and other stakeholders to remain calm while the panel carries out its duties.

The minister said the investigation would provide an opportunity to establish the facts surrounding the incident and determine appropriate steps based on its findings.