Panel begins probe into deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody

An independent 10-member panel has been inaugurated to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The panel was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, at the Minister’s Conference Room, Federal Ministry of Interior, Old Federal Secretariat, Abuja, following a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident. The 37 detainees reportedly died while in NSCDC custody after their arrest on suspicion of illegal mining in Niger State on September 17, 2026. The inauguration ceremony began with a minute of silence in honour of the deceased. Tunji-Ojo said the independence of the committee was non-negotiable and directed all paramilitary agencies concerned to provide the panel with every assistance required to carry out its assignment.