Medical experts begin investigating the deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

The medical team attached to the Independent Inquiry Committee probing the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps has begun work to determine how the victims died.

The team is expected to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of death when the panel begins its investigation into the incident.

This was stated by the Secretary of the Committee, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN in his statement, Wednesday.

According to him, the committee held its first meeting shortly after its members were appointed and established a work plan to guide the investigation.

“The Committee’s medical team has begun work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of death,” the statement said.

Chiroma said the panel will also conduct visits to locations relevant to the case and involve government agencies whose records or activities could help the investigation.

“The committee will visit all relevant locations, liaise with relevant government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects, and other persons with material knowledge of the incident.”

The committee will also obtain documents and other evidence deemed necessary to find out what happened before and during the death.

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“We will also collect all documents and other materials necessary to reveal the full facts regarding this matter.”

The 37 detainees reportedly died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while being detained by the NSCDC Niger State Command following their arrest for alleged illegal mining activities. The circumstances and cause of death are not yet known.

The Federal Government set up a 10-member independent panel on Tuesday following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.

While inaugurating the committee in Abuja, the Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, tasked the committee with establishing the identities of the deceased, determining the immediate and long-term causes of death, and examining the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

The minister also directed the panel to examine the legality and conditions of detention facilities and determine whether applicable laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were being followed.

Tunji-Ojo said the panel should specifically examine whether detainees were subjected to abuse or were denied necessary medical care.

“Investigate whether the deceased were tortured, treated inhumanely, or were denied medical care or attention during their detention.”

He further mandated the committee to determine whether negligence or professional misconduct by officers contributed to the deaths.

“Interview all relevant people, including the officers involved, other detainees, the family of the deceased, witnesses and medical personnel, and anyone else who has relevant information,” said Tunji-Ojo.

The minister also issued a warning against actions that could jeopardize the investigation.

“Any attempt by anyone to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation will be considered a serious offense against the state, and will not be tolerated.”

As part of the evidence-gathering process, the committee said it would receive memoranda from individuals and organizations with relevant information.

“The committee urges members of the public to support its work and has decided to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organizations.”

Details regarding the place and date of physical submission of the memorandum, the panel said, will be announced later.

The committee pledged to conduct a “thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based investigation” and said it would provide updates to the public as the investigation progresses.

The panel has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister of Home Affairs.