…Kure vows to protect integrity, deliver justice
By our correspondent
The Federal Government has inaugurated a 10-member independent investigative committee to probe the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while inaugurating the committee, described the incident as “sad and deeply disturbing,” saying the government owed the families of the deceased and Nigerians an explanation of what happened.
The 37 persons reportedly died on September 17, 2026, after they were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State. The cause and circumstances of their deaths have not yet been established.
Tunji-Ojo said the action followed a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
He disclosed that the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and officers involved in arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties during the period under review had been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to the minister, the committee is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, determine the cause and manner of death through appropriate medical and forensic examinations, and establish whether negligence, misconduct or other breaches of duty occurred.
The panel is also expected to recommend appropriate disciplinary measures, compensation where applicable and steps to prevent a recurrence.
The committee is chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, while former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma, SAN, serves as secretary. Other members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, a representative of the Minna Emirate Council, a representative of the Niger State Government, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, lawyer and human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, Blueprint journalist Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino and public affairs analyst Dr George Agbakahi.
Tunji-Ojo gave the committee two weeks to complete its assignment and submit its report, adding that it had the authority to co-opt experts, access relevant facilities and documents, visit locations connected with the incident and receive memoranda from members of the public.
He also warned that anyone who attempted to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation would face consequences.
> “No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo appealed to the families of the deceased to remain calm, assuring them that the government would not abandon them.
‘We’ll return with our integrity intact’
Responding on behalf of the committee, its chairman, Jonathan Kure, described his appointment as a call to national service rather than a privilege.
Kure said members of the committee had accepted the responsibility because of their commitment to serving the country and protecting their integrity.
He said he personally accepted the assignment after the minister assured him that his reputation and integrity were important considerations for his appointment.
“When the minister called me, I said, ‘Honourable Minister, on one condition — you know who I am.’ And he said that was precisely why he was calling me,” Kure said.
He assured Nigerians that the committee would approach the investigation with open minds and would not be influenced by sentiments or media reports.
“We shall ensure justice by going to the field with open minds. We are not swayed by sentiments or media hype that might have been given.
“We will come back with our report and our integrity intact. We must give hope to this country,” he said.
The Federal Government’s committee is expected to work alongside other ongoing inquiries into the incident. The National Human Rights Commission has also commenced a preliminary investigation and called for an independent forensic autopsy.