Medical team begins probe into 37 miners’ deaths in NSCDC custody

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The medical team of the Independent Committee of Inquiry investigating the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has commenced work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of their deaths.

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The committee also said it would interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident as it begins its investigation.

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This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Secretary of the committee, Prof Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN.

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According to the statement, the committee held its inaugural meeting immediately after being sworn in and adopted a work plan to guide its investigation.

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“The Committee’s medical team has already begun work to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths,” the statement read.

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The committee said it would visit all relevant sites and engage with relevant government agencies as part of the investigation.

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It added, “The Committee will visit all relevant sites, engage with relevant government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects and other persons with material knowledge of the incident.”

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The panel also said it would gather documents and other materials necessary to establish the facts surrounding the deaths.

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The statement read, “It will also gather all documents and other materials necessary to establish the full facts of the matter.”

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The 37 persons died on Thursday, September 17, 2026, while in the custody of the NSCDC Niger State Command after they were detained over suspected illegal mining. The cause of their deaths has not been established.

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The Federal Government had on Tuesday inaugurated a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths following a directive by President Bola Tinubu.

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The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who inaugurated the committee in Abuja, said its mandate included establishing the identities of the deceased, determining the immediate and remote causes of their deaths and investigating the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

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Tunji-Ojo also directed the committee to examine the legality and conditions of the detention facility and determine whether relevant laws, detention procedures and human rights standards were complied with.

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The minister said, “Investigate whether or not the deceased persons were tortured, inhumanely treated, or denied medical care or attention during their detention.”

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He added that the panel would investigate whether there was negligence or professional misconduct by any officer during the detention.

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“Interview all relevant persons, including the officers involved, other detainees, families of the deceased, witnesses and medical personnel, and any other persons with relevant information,” Tunji-Ojo said.

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The minister had also warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation, saying, “Any attempt by anybody to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offence against the nation, and it will not be tolerated.”

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The committee said it would invite memoranda from interested individuals and organisations as part of its investigation.

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It appealed to members of the public to support its work, adding that details regarding the submission of memoranda, including the venue and date for physical presentations, would be communicated in due course.

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The statement read, “The Committee appeals to members of the public to support its work and has resolved to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organisations.”

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The committee reaffirmed its commitment to conducting “a thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based inquiry,” promising to keep the public informed as its work progresses.

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The panel has two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.

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