By our reporter 22.9.2026
Nigeria’s minister of interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has stressed the need for a comprehensive investigation into the death of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
The miners were found dead on September 17 when 65 of them arrested for illegal mining, were locked up in a cell meant to hold only 10 people at the NSCDC headquarters in Minna sparking protests and nationwide outrage. Mr Tunji-Ojo who spoke in Abuja while inaugurating a 10-member independent investigative committee that there must be no cover ups.
“All records and material evidence connected to this incident, I have directed that they must be preserved and made available. Let me sound a very strong note of warning: any attempt by anybody to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct this investigation will be treated as a serious offence against the nation and it will not be tolerated.
“If it ever happens, I give you my word, the full hammer of the law will descend on such an individual,” he said.
‘We Owe Masses The Truth’
Tunji-Ojo challenged members of the committee to ensure that their findings lead to appropriate action, promising that the report would not be ignored.
The committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, is mandated to establish the identities of the deceased and investigate the circumstances surrounding their arrest and detention, as well as the cause and circumstances of their deaths.
Lucky to be alive to tell their story...some of the survivors of the NSCDC horror chambers.