Miners death probe: Commend President Tinubu for empowering Interior Minister

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Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

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By Saka Ola Ahmed

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The death of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Minna, Niger State has thrown the nation into grief. Outrage has rightly been expressed by Nigerians who called for an urgent probe of the unfortunate incident.

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Recall 37 out of 65 detained suspects died under disputed circumstances in an NSCDC facility in Minna following their arrests on September 15 and 16, 2026.Survivors alleged suffocation from overcrowding and a chemical substance sprayed in the cell.

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The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo immediately visited Minna, Niger State, following the tragic incident and met with Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna to inspect and address the situation, vowing that the deaths would “not be swept under the carpet”.

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The federal government took immediate action by suspending the Niger State NSCDC Commandant along with 20 other officers. Governor Bago also announced a total suspension of all mining activities, both legal and illegal, across Niger State pending safety tests.

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President Bola Tinubu must be commended for empowering the Interior Minister to take control and probe the immediate and remote cause or causes of the unfortunate death of the miners, most of who were teenagers.

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The President is currently on vacation in Europe and has been monitoring events while giving the Interior Minister free hand to handle the investigation of the incident.

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There is a general belief that you cannot give an important message to someone to deliver if you know that person will not be able to deliver the message.

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Giving Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo the task of unravelling what actually happened is a mark of the confidence the President has on the ability of the Minister to do the job diligently and dispassionately.

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An investigative committee has already been inaugurated by the Minister to ensure full accountability and transparency regarding the cause of death.

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On Tuesday, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to probe the death of the 37 suspected illegal miners.

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While inaugurating the panel in Abuja, he declared that government institutions must never become places of death, assuring Nigerians that no officer found culpable would be shielded.

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“No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what President Bola Ahmed Tinubu stands for.

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“This administration was elected on the premise that every Nigerian life matters and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism, and respect for human rights,” he said.

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The minister has expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, the government and people of Niger State, and other Nigerians affected by the incident, describing it as one of the lowest moments in recent memory.

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He revealed that following President Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation, he ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and the arrest and investigation of all officers who were on guard duties between September 15 and 17.

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“They remain suspended pending the outcome of this investigation,” he said.

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According to the minister, the committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and document the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention.

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It will also determine, through appropriate medical and forensic examinations, the cause and manner of death, as well as investigate whether negligence, misconduct, complicity or any breach of duty occurred.

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The panel is further expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable and steps to prevent a recurrence.

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Tunji-Ojo named retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, as chairman of the committee, while a former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, will serve as secretary.

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The minister has also said the committee had full authority to co-opt experts, access facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, conduct forensic examinations, and receive memoranda from members of the public.

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He gave the panel two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report.

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From the above meticulous terms of reference given to the panel, one can expect a thorough job and good report from the panel.

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As is characteristic of the Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, he will follow through the recommendations of the panel and ensure that such sad incident does not occur again.

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