The Federal Government has moved to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 people in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Niger State Command, with authorities launching an independent investigation into the incident. The deaths, involving individuals arrested on suspicion of illegal mining activities, occurred on Thursday, prompting calls for answers over how the detainees died while under state custody.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the formation of a ten-member committee on Saturday, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a transparent review of the incident. The committee’s assignment is to examine the arrests, detention process, identities of the deceased, and the events that led to their deaths.

As part of the government’s accountability measures, 21 NSCDC personnel have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation. The affected officers include the Niger State Commandant, personnel responsible for station security, arrest operations, investigations, legal duties, and officers assigned to guard responsibilities.

The Interior Minister described the incident as deeply concerning and said the government has a responsibility to provide clarity to the families of those who lost their lives and the wider public. He added that the investigation would determine whether negligence, misconduct, or other forms of wrongdoing contributed to the deaths.

The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, includes legal professionals, security experts, medical specialists, representatives of the Niger State Government and Minna Emirate Council, as well as civil society and media representatives. Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, will serve as secretary.

Beyond identifying responsibility, the panel has been directed to recommend measures that could prevent similar incidents in the future, including possible compensation where applicable. The government also warned that any effort to interfere with the process, destroy evidence, or intimidate witnesses would attract serious consequences.

The Minister has appealed for calm as the inquiry begins and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. The outcome of the investigation is expected to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding the deaths and guide the government’s response to prevent a repeat of the tragedy.