Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has warned that anyone who attempts to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State will face the full force of the law.
Tunji-Ojo issued the warning on Tuesday in Abuja while inaugurating a 10-member independent investigative committee set up to probe the deaths of the detainees in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
The 37 detainees died on September 17, 2026, while in NSCDC custody in Minna, after they were arrested during operations against suspected illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State.
The minister directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers connected to the incident to cooperate fully with the committee and ensure that all records and material evidence relating to the deaths were preserved and made available to investigators.
“All records and material evidence connected to this incident, I have directed that they must be preserved and made available. Let me sound a very strong note of warning: 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.
“If it ever happens, I give you my word, the full hammer of the law will descend on such an individual,” he said.
‘We owe Nigerians the truth’
Tunji-Ojo said the Nigerian Government was committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring accountability, regardless of the position of anyone found culpable.
“To Nigerians, I say this: we owe you the truth. This committee will give you the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, or any individual will be shielded if found culpable.
“To the families who lost loved ones, I appeal for calm and patience. This government will not and will never abandon you,” he said.
The minister also challenged the committee to ensure that its findings led to appropriate action, promising that the report would not be ignored.
“I challenge you: let your antecedent speak when the report is submitted, and I assure you of one thing: this report will not be swept under the carpet.
“We will call a meeting like this; we will present the report, and whoever needs to be prosecuted will be prosecuted, and whoever needs to be dealt with in line with the law will be dealt with,” he said.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while Professor Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary. Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Professor Olayinka Buhari, a representative of the Minna Emirate Council, a representative of the Niger State Government, and lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju.
The committee is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate their arrest and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
It will also determine responsibility, complicity, negligence or misconduct and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable, as well as measures to prevent a recurrence.
The committee has two weeks to complete its investigation and submit its report to the Minister of Interior.
Miners’ deaths
The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during NSCDC operations against suspected illegal mining in Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but the actual cause has not been established and remains subject to investigation.
Survivors have alleged that detainees were held in an overcrowded and poorly ventilated cell. One survivor also alleged that a substance resembling perfume was sprayed inside the cell shortly before some detainees began collapsing. The claims have not been established as the cause of the deaths.
The Nigerian Government has suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and 20 other officers in connection with the incident, while the NSCDC later said the number of personnel in custody had risen to 24 after three additional officers were detained.
The Niger State Police Command has also taken over the scene of the deaths and commenced its own investigation following a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu.