The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, 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 (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Tunji-Ojo disclosed this on Tuesday, adding that the committee was inaugurated on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to ensure a transparent and comprehensive investigation.
He said the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and officers responsible for arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17, 2026, had been suspended pending the outcome of the probe.
The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, is expected to determine the causes of death, investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests and detention, and establish whether the deceased were subjected to torture, inhumane treatment or denied medical care.
The minister said the panel had been empowered to access relevant facilities and documents, conduct forensic examinations and request memoranda from the public. An interim report is expected within two weeks.
He warned against any attempt to conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation, stressing that no officer found culpable would be shielded.
“No life should be lost in the custody of the State,” Tunji-Ojo said, while extending condolences to the families of the deceased and assuring them that the government would not abandon them.
