…suspends 20 NSCDC officers, Niger State Commandant

THE Federal Government has constituted a 10 member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who formally announced the probe, also directed the immediate suspension of 20 officers, alongside the Niger State Commandant of the Corps, pending the conclusion of the independent investigation.

According to the minister, the action follows a direct mandate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation into the tragic incident, which occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

In a statement, the minister described the deaths as deeply disturbing, he stated that the Federal Government owes the bereaved families and the public a transparent account of the events.

The panel is tasked with establishing the identities of the deceased, alongside investigating their arrests, detention, and the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

Furthermore, the minister directed the committee to “determine responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.”

Tunji-Ojo mandated the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully and preserve all material evidence connected to the incident.

H cases that “Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence.”

The committee, which has two weeks to submit its report, is chaired by a retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma serving as Secretary.

Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Prof. Olayinka Buhari who is a representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government, Liman Sulaiman, Deji Adeyanju, Zainab Suleiman Okino, and Dr George Agbakahi.

The suspended officers include SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, ASCI Hassan Mohammed, CCA Bala Mohammed, CSC Oluwadare Sunday, DCC Obafemi Elvis, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino, DCC Philip Ajayi, ACC Stephen Tsado, and ASCI Alhassan Mohammed.

Additionally, 11 guard duty officers IC Abdullahi Sale, IC Mohammed Sonfada, CAI Liman Abubakar, CAI Bala Usman, IC Mohammed Jiya, DSC Isah Suleiman, CAI Ahmed Wushishi, IC Sale Adamu, IC Haroon Mohammed, ASCI Aliyu Sallah, and CAI Isah Sanusi were suspended.

Extending his condolences, the minister appealed for calm as the investigation continues.