Niger Miners’ Deaths: Inquiry committee begins investigation

The Independent Committee of Inquiry investigating the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has commenced its investigation.

The committee’s secretary, Isa Chiroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Mr Chiroma said the committee held its first meeting after its inauguration by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and adopted a work plan to guide its investigation.

He said the committee would visit all relevant sites, engage with government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects, and other people with material knowledge of the incident.

The committee will also obtain documents and other materials it considers necessary to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Medical team begins work

Mr Chiroma said the committee’s medical team had already commenced work to determine the “cause, mechanism and manner” of the deaths.

The primary cause of the deaths has not been officially established.

The 37 suspected illegal miners died after they were arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna, Niger State, on 15 and 16 September.

The deaths were initially reported as 33, but the Niger State Government later confirmed that 37 people had died.

The NSCDC subsequently cautioned against speculation about the cause of death, saying medical and laboratory examinations, as well as autopsies, would be necessary to establish what happened.

The incident triggered protests in parts of Minna and prompted multiple investigations by the NSCDC, the Niger State Government and the Federal Government.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, constituted an investigative team and suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye.

The interior minister also suspended the Niger State commandant before announcing the independent committee following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive investigation.

The 10-member committee, chaired by retired SSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, was inaugurated to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths and establish whether there was responsibility, negligence or misconduct.

Committee seeks public submissions

Mr Chiroma appealed to members of the public to support the investigation.

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He said the committee had resolved to invite memoranda from individuals and organisations with relevant information.

Details on how and where to submit the memoranda, including arrangements for physical presentations, will be announced later, he said.

“The Committee reaffirms its commitment to conducting a thorough, fair, transparent and evidence-based inquiry, and will keep the public informed as its work progresses,” Mr Chiroma said.

The committee has a two-week mandate to complete its assignment and submit its report.