FG Suspends 20 NSCDC Officers Over Deaths of 37 Detainees

The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths of 37 people detained by the Niger State Command over suspected illegal mining activities.

Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the measures on Saturday after President Bola Tinubu directed a thorough investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

The minister said the government would seek to establish what happened to the detainees and provide the families of the deceased and the wider public with a clear account of the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

All officers linked to the incident have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The NSCDC leadership and affected officers were also directed to cooperate with the panel and ensure that relevant documents, records and other evidence are preserved.

The committee is expected to identify the deceased and examine the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as determine the causes of their deaths. It will also investigate whether negligence, misconduct, or other forms of responsibility were involved and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where necessary.

The panel is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General, Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Ciroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, will serve as secretary.

Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma; Professor Olayinka Buhari, a histopathologist and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and Niger State Government; National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Liman Sulaiman; lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju; Blueprint newspaper representative Zainab Suleiman Okino; and public affairs analyst George Agbakahi.

The panel has the authority to invite additional experts, inspect relevant locations and facilities, access necessary documents and receive memoranda from members of the public. It is expected to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior within two weeks.

Among the suspended officers are the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, the officer in charge of the station guard, Usman Isah Ndamaka, station guards Hassan Mohammed and Bala Mohammed, and officers involved in the arrests and investigation of the detainees.

Others affected include the Head of Intelligence and Investigation, Philip Ajayi; the officer in charge of legal matters, Stephen Tsado; duty officers and several personnel assigned to guard duties at the facility.

Tunji-Ojo also warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation or tamper with evidence or witnesses. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and urged the public to remain calm while the panel carries out its assignment.