By Florencemary Nwabueze

ABUJA — The Federal Government has ordered a comprehensive investigation into the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, in Minna, suspending 20 officers and setting up a 10-member independent panel.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the measures on Saturday in a statement. He said the panel was constituted following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for “a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation” into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

About 65 alleged illegal miners were captured near Borgu in Minna on the 15th and 16th of September 2026 and were held at a detention center run by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). On the morning of September 17th, 37 of the suspects were found dead, resulting in massive protest and open fire on protesters by the authorities. The NSCDC claimed the death must have been caused by a disease outbreak.

A survivor who spoke during the visit of Niger state governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo alleged that an unidentified substance was sprayed inside the cell, causing difficulties in breathing and people began collapsing.

Another survivor identified as Fauda Shehu revealed that 65 people were packed into a small cell with no fresh air. "All of a sudden, we realised we couldn't breath and we started scrambling to get fresh air".

The minister Tunji-Ojo, described the deaths as deeply disturbing, saying the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident.

He directed the suspension of all officers involved pending the conclusion of the panel’s investigation, and warned the NSCDC leadership and officers against any interference with the process.
“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.

He also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the committee and to preserve all records and material evidence connected to the incident.

According to the statement, the independent committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrests, detention, and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

The committee is also to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The committee is chaired by Mr. Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Ciroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Director General of the Nigeria Law School, as Secretary.

Other members are AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (retired); Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a professor of histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; a representative of the Minna Emirate Council; a representative of the Niger State Government; Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria; Mr. Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist; Mrs. Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper; and Dr. George Agbakahi, a public affairs analyst.

The statement said the committee may co-opt relevant experts, access all necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public. It has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the minister.

Among those suspended, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps, are O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka; Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed; Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed; Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday; Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis; and Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino.

Others are HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi; O/C Legal, Barr. Stephen Tsado; Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed; and a string of officers listed for guard duty, including 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 Haruna Mohammed, ASCI Aliyu Sallah and CAI Isah Sanusi.

The minister extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm while the investigation continues.