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… It reveals elements of institutional gaps, excessive zeal, others
The federal government’s independent panel investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has requested a two-week extension to conclude its investigations.
Specifically, the investigative commission said that it is still awaiting forensic and pathological reports and that it is examining a large volume of evidence.
The FG investigation panel was inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who was initially given two weeks to complete the investigation and submit his report by October 7, 2026.
Addressing journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, the chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, said the committee was yet to conclude its work.
When asked to tell Nigerians what the commission has found so far, Kure said: “We have seen some elements of institutional gaps, some elements of overzealousness, some elements that will require more staff training and some elements of professionalism.”
The extension, if granted, would move the panel’s reporting deadline to October 21.
Kure said the committee inspected the detention facility in Minna, visited the mining site and the NSCDC state command headquarters, conducted autopsies and took statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses.
“Due to the peculiar nature of this investigation, we were able to go to Minna, where we interacted with all the survivors and met the grieving families of all the deceased,” Kure said.
He added that the committee examined the accident scene and interacted with NSCDC personnel directly or indirectly involved.
According to him, the commission is still collecting statements from some NSCDC staff members, while the volume of evidence and testimonies collected requires further review.
“We are still waiting for the forensic and pathology reports. Those of you who know about medical investigations know that it will take some time,” he said.
Kure said the extension would also allow officers already suspended over the incident and other people implicated in the allegations to respond before the investigation is concluded.
The 37 alleged illegal miners were found dead at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna after they were arrested for alleged illegal mining activities near Borgu.
Reports at the time said around 65 inmates had been held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell, while an intelligence report suggested the deaths may have been linked to conditions at the facility.
The NSCDC initially suggested a possible diphtheria epidemic, but later said the cause of death had not been established and would require medical and laboratory confirmation.
Following public concern, President Bola Tinubu launched an investigation into the incident, after which the Interior Minister constituted a 10-member independent committee.
The minister also ordered the suspension of the Niger State commander and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of investigations.
The committee is expected to establish the identity of the deceased, the circumstances of their arrest and detention, the cause of death and whether there was, among other things, liability, complicity, negligence or misconduct.
