ABUJA – The Independent Investigative Committee probing the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, has requested an additional two weeks to conclude its investigation.
The committee, which was initially expected to submit its report on October 7, 2026, is now seeking an extension until October 21, 2026, citing the volume of evidence gathered and the need for pending forensic and pathology reports.
Chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this during a press briefing, saying the extension was necessary to ensure that the final report was thorough, credible and capable of withstanding public scrutiny.
Kure said the committee had made substantial progress since its inauguration, including visits to Minna, inspection of the NSCDC custody facility and the mining site, interviews with survivors and bereaved families, and interactions with NSCDC officers and personnel connected to the incident.
He said, “We have been able to interact with all the survivors. We were able to meet with bereaved families, families of all the deceased.
“We were also able to go to the site, the mining site, as well as visiting the State Command headquarters of the Civil Defence, where we went to the scene of the incident.”
According to him, the committee has also obtained statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, relatives of the deceased and other witnesses, while documentary and forensic evidence is being collated.
However, he said the investigation could not be completed within the initial two-week deadline because of the large volume of testimony and evidence requiring detailed examination.
Kure added that the committee was still awaiting forensic and pathology reports, which he described as critical to determining the circumstances and causes of the deaths.
He also stressed the importance of giving every person implicated in the incident, including officers already suspended, an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
The chairman said the committee was determined to ensure that its conclusions were based on facts and due process rather than speculation.
“We promised Nigerians a thorough job. Because of this, we have applied and sought for an extension of another two weeks, where we hope that our report will be ready,” he said.
Kure assured Nigerians that members of the committee would work within the additional period to complete the investigation and submit their findings to the Federal Government.
He said the objective was to ensure that “justice is done where justice is due,” adding that the final report must be credible and capable of commanding public confidence.
Responding to questions from journalists, the committee chairman disclosed that the investigation had uncovered indications of possible institutional shortcomings and other issues that required further examination.
He said there were “elements of institutional breakdown” and possible “overzealousness,” while some aspects of the incident might point to the need for additional training for personnel.
Kure, however, said the committee was still investigating the issues and would make its final determination after reviewing all available evidence.
The chairman reiterated that the committee would use the additional two weeks to complete its work and present a comprehensive report to the Minister of Interior and the Federal Government.