The Federal Government panel probing the deaths of *37 suspected illegal miners* in the custody of the *Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC*, has provided its first update on the investigation and indicted the service.
Chairman of the 10-member Independent Investigative Panel, *Jonathan Kure*, revealed on Tuesday in Abuja that there were *institutional lapses and overzealousness* in the handling of the detainees.
According to him, the preliminary findings had raised serious concerns about how some NSCDC personnel handled the arrest and detention of the miners.
“There were elements of institutional lapses, elements of overzealousness on the part of officers and men of the Service in their handling of the arrest and detention of the miners,” Kure said.
Panel Identifies Training Gaps
The panel chairman also stated that the investigation had identified areas where the NSCDC would require additional training and improved professionalism when dealing with situations of such magnitude.
He, however, stressed that the preliminary findings do not yet represent the panel’s final position, noting that the committee is still assessing evidence and awaiting important forensic and pathology reports needed to establish the circumstances and causes of the deaths.
This comes three weeks after the deaths of the 37 detainees triggered public outrage in Niger State and led to calls for accountability.
What Happened?
The victims were among scores arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining in the *M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State* on September 15 and 16, 2026. They died on September 17 in Minna custody.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but survivor accounts questioned detention conditions.
Progress So Far
Kure said appreciable progress has been recorded:
– Inspection of the custody facility in Minna and the mining site
– Conduct of autopsies for the 37 victims
– Taking of witness statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families and other witnesses
– Collection of documentary and forensic evidence
“Recall that, upon inauguration, our committee was mandated to submit its report within two weeks. The committee acknowledges the cooperation so far received from the Federal Ministry of Interior, the NSCDC, the Niger State Government, the Minna Emirate, members of the affected communities, and survivors,” he said.
The panel, inaugurated by Minister of Interior *Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo* on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, was given until October 7 to submit its report. It has now requested a two-week extension till October 21, 2026 to await autopsy results and allow suspended officers to respond.
