The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 persons who reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday by the Minister of Interior, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, following the President’s directive for a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident.
The development comes after the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and officers who were on duty between September 15 and 17, 2026, were suspended over their roles in the arrest, investigation, legal, station and custodial duties connected with the detainees.
The minister said the suspensions would remain in force pending the outcome of the investigation, while stressing that the government was determined to establish what led to the deaths.
“No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stands for,” he said.
The committee is chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, while Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, serves as secretary.
The panel is expected to establish the identities of the deceased and determine when, where and how they died, as well as investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention by the NSCDC.
It will also examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility, the length of time the detainees were held and whether established laws, procedures and human rights standards were followed.
The committee is further mandated to determine whether any of the deceased persons were subjected to torture or other forms of inhumane treatment, or denied access to necessary medical attention while in custody.
The minister said the panel had been given broad powers to facilitate a thorough investigation, including the authority to engage experts, inspect relevant facilities and locations, access official records and conduct forensic examinations.
Members of the public are also expected to have the opportunity to submit memoranda to the committee as part of the investigation.
The Federal Government expects an interim report from the committee within two weeks, with the minister expressing hope that its findings would result in reforms capable of preventing similar incidents in the future.
He directed the NSCDC leadership and all officers concerned to provide the committee with unrestricted cooperation and ensure that relevant documents and other evidence are preserved.
The minister warned against any attempt to interfere with the investigation, including the destruction or concealment of evidence or intimidation of witnesses.
“We shall ensure that no attempt is made to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation. Any such attempt shall be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.
He assured Nigerians that the investigation would not be compromised and that officers found responsible would face the consequences, regardless of their positions.
“We owe you the truth. This Committee will deliver the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” the minister said.
The minister also extended the Federal Government’s condolences to the families of the deceased, the Niger State Government and others affected by the incident, while appealing to the bereaved families to remain calm as the investigation proceeds.
He said the government would not abandon the affected families, adding that the investigation was intended not only to establish accountability but also to strengthen institutional safeguards for the protection of lives in custody.
The minister said the committee had the responsibility to conduct an impartial and comprehensive investigation that would reinforce accountability within the security system and help prevent a recurrence.
