The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people detained by the NSCDC in Niger State over suspected illegal mining.
The action follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident of September 17, 2026.
The committee will establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrest, detention and deaths, determine responsibility, negligence or misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable. It has two weeks to submit its report.
Committee Members
1. Jonathan Kure, mni — Chairman
2. Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN — Secretary
3. AIG Hosea Hassan Karma (rtd.)
4. Prof. Olayinka Buhari
5. Representative, Minna Emirate Council
6. Representative, Niger State Government
7. Alhaji Liman Sulaiman — Miners Association of Nigeria
8. Deji Adeyanju — Lawyer/Human Rights Activist
9. Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino — Blueprint Newspaper
10. Dr. George Agbakahi — Public Affairs Analyst
Suspended Officers
In addition to the Niger State Commandant, the following 20 officers have been suspended:
1. SC Usman Isah Ndamaka — O/C Station Guard
2. ASCI Hassan Mohammed — Station Guard
3. CCA Bala Mohammed — Station Guard
4. CSC Oluwadare Sunday — Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation
5. DCC Obafemi Elvis — Arresting Officer
6. CSC Annas Shitto Lamino — Arresting Officer
7. DCC Philip Ajayi — HOD INT/INV
8. ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado — O/C Legal
9. ASCI Alhassan Mohammed — Day/Night Duty Officer
10. IC Abdullahi Sale — Guard Duty
11. IC Mohammed Sonfada — Guard Duty
12. CAI Liman Abubakar — Guard Duty
13. CAI Bala Usman — Guard Duty
14. IC Mohammed Jiya — Guard Duty
15. DSC Isah Suleiman — Guard Duty
16. CAI Ahmed Wushishi — Guard Duty
17. IC Sale Adamu — Guard Duty
18. IC Haruna Mohammed — Guard Duty
19. ASCI Aliyu Sallah — Guard Duty
20. CAI Isah Sanusi — Guard Duty
The Minister directed the NSCDC and all relevant officers to cooperate fully and preserve all records and evidence. He also warned that attempts to conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence.
The committee may co-opt experts, access relevant documents and facilities, visit locations and receive memoranda from the public.
The Minister condoled with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm.
