…Awaits Forensic, Pathology Reports
The independent committee investigating the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has requested a two-week extension to conclude its investigation.
Chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing, saying the panel was yet to conclude its work because it was still awaiting forensic and pathology reports and reviewing a large volume of evidence.
The committee, inaugurated by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, was initially given two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report by October 7, 2026.
The extension, if granted, would move the panel’s reporting deadline to October 21.
Kure said the committee had inspected the detention facility in Minna, visited the mining site and NSCDC State Command headquarters, conducted autopsies, and taken statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses.
“Due to the peculiar nature of this investigation, we have been able to go to Minna, where we interacted with all the survivors and met with the bereaved families of all the deceased,” Kure said.
He added that the committee examined the scene of the incident and interacted with NSCDC personnel who were directly or indirectly involved.
According to him, the panel is still taking statements from some NSCDC personnel, while the volume of evidence and testimonies gathered requires further review.
“We are still awaiting the forensic and pathology reports. Those of you who know medical investigation know that will take some time,” he said.
Kure said the extension would also allow officers already suspended over the incident, and other persons implicated in the allegations, to respond before the investigation is concluded.
The 37 suspected illegal miners were found dead in an NSCDC detention facility in Minna after they were arrested over alleged illegal mining activities near Borgu.
Reports at the time said about 65 detainees had been held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell, while an intelligence report suggested that the deaths may have been linked to the conditions in the facility.
The NSCDC initially suggested a possible diphtheria outbreak but later said the cause of death had not been established and would require medical and laboratory confirmation.
Following public concern, President Bola Tinubu directed an investigation into the incident, after which the Interior Minister constituted the 10-member independent committee.
The minister also ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant and 20 other NSCDC officers pending the outcome of the investigation.
The committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, the cause of death, and whether there was any responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct.
