By George Omagbemi
The Federal Government’s independent committee investigating the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) custody in Minna, Niger State, has received a two-week extension to complete its investigation.
The committee, chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, was originally expected to submit its report on October 7. The new deadline is October 21, 2026.
Kure said the extension was necessary because the panel was reviewing a large volume of testimonies and documentary evidence and was still awaiting forensic and pathology reports considered important to establishing the circumstances and causes of the deaths.
The committee has visited Minna, inspected the custody facility and mining site, conducted autopsies and interviewed NSCDC personnel, survivors, bereaved families and other witnesses.
Kure also disclosed that preliminary observations pointed to institutional gaps and overzealousness by some officers, while stressing that the investigation was not yet concluded.
He said the additional period would also allow persons implicated in the incident, including suspended officers, to respond before the panel reaches its final conclusions.
The committee was inaugurated by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo on September 22 following reports that 37 miners died while in NSCDC custody.
The panel is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, determine the circumstances and causes of their deaths and establish whether negligence, misconduct or other breaches of duty occurred.
Kure assured Nigerians that the additional time would be used to produce a thorough and credible report capable of withstanding scrutiny.
Leave a Reply