The Federal Government’s independent investigative panel probing the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State, has disclosed that its preliminary findings have revealed elements of institutional gaps, overzealousness by some personnel and shortcomings requiring further training and professionalism.
The committee, however, cautioned that its investigation was not yet concluded, stressing that crucial forensic and pathology reports needed to establish the causes of death were still outstanding.
Chairman of the 10-member committee, Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the State Security Service, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Abuja on Tuesday on the progress of the investigation.
The panel was constituted by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on September 22 following public concern over the deaths of the 37 persons while in NSCDC custody in Minna.
It was initially given two weeks to complete its assignment and was expected to submit its report on October 7, 2026. The committee has now secured a two-week extension, moving the expected completion date to October 21.
Giving an indication of what the investigation had uncovered so far, Kure said the committee had identified areas of concern in the handling of the detainees.
“We have seen some elements of institutional gaps, some elements of overzealousness, some elements of the need for more training and some elements of unprofessionalism,” he said.
He stressed, however, that these were preliminary observations and that the panel would not reach final conclusions until all relevant evidence had been examined and every person implicated had been afforded an opportunity to respond.
According to Kure, the committee has made “appreciable progress” since its inauguration, including travelling to Niger State to inspect the NSCDC detention facility where the victims were held.
The panel also visited the mining site connected with the arrests and interacted with survivors, bereaved families and NSCDC officers and personnel who were directly or indirectly involved in the incident.
It has also conducted autopsies, taken statements from witnesses and gathered documentary and forensic materials relevant to establishing what happened before the deaths.
Kure said the committee had interacted with all the survivors identified in connection with the incident and met with families of those who died.
It had similarly questioned NSCDC personnel connected with the arrest and detention of the miners, although the chairman said that aspect of the investigation had not yet been completed.
Explaining why the committee could not meet its original deadline, Kure said investigators were confronted with a large volume of testimonies and documentary evidence requiring careful review and collation.
Another major factor, he said, was the non-availability of final forensic and pathology reports, which the panel considers essential to establishing the actual causes of death.
The committee also wants to ensure that officers already suspended over the incident, as well as any other persons who may be implicated by the evidence, are given a fair opportunity to respond before conclusions are reached.
Kure said this was necessary to ensure that the eventual findings and recommendations could “withstand scrutiny and command public confidence.”
He explained that although the committee had been expected to submit its report by October 7, the nature and volume of the investigation made additional time necessary.
“The peculiar nature of this investigation involves a large volume of testimonies and evidence which require our meticulous review and collation,” he said.
The Federal Government subsequently approved the request for a two-week extension.
Kure assured Nigerians that the additional time would be devoted to completing a thorough investigation rather than delaying the process.
“We promised Nigerians a thorough job. We are determined to do what is just and what is right, and it will have to be seen to be thorough and credible,” he said.
The panel also acknowledged the cooperation of the Federal Ministry of Interior, the NSCDC, the Niger State Government, the Minna Emirate, affected communities, survivors and families of the deceased.
The investigation followed the reported deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners after they were taken into NSCDC custody in Minna, prompting widespread calls for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding their arrest, detention and deaths.
The committee has not yet formally assigned responsibility for the deaths, and its references to institutional gaps, overzealousness and professionalism remain preliminary findings pending completion of the investigation.
The outstanding forensic and pathology reports are expected to be central to determining the medical causes of death and assisting the panel in deciding whether any individual or institutional responsibility should be established.
The committee is now expected to submit its final report by October 21, 2026, after completing its review of the evidence and hearing from all relevant parties.
... “There Are Elements That Require More Training And Professionalism” — Panel Flags Lapses In Probe Of 37 Miners’ Deaths In NSCDC Custody ... TheNigeriaLawyer.