The federal government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), including the Niger State Commandant, following the deaths of 37 detainees in custody. Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the suspension on Saturday, September 19, 2026, acting on a directive from President Bola Tinubu for a full, transparent, and unobstructed inquiry into the incident that occurred on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
Investigation Committee and Mandate
Tunji-Ojo constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The committee is tasked with establishing the identities of the deceased, reviewing the conditions of their arrest and detention, determining the cause of death, and identifying any officers responsible for negligence or misconduct.
The panel will also recommend appropriate disciplinary action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence of such incidents. The committee has two weeks to submit its report and is empowered to co-opt experts, visit relevant locations, and request memoranda from the public.
Committee Members and Leadership
Retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure chairs the committee, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, serving as secretary. Other members include retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, journalist Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper, and Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary of the Miners Association of Nigeria.
Representatives of the Minna Emirate Council and the Niger State Government are also included, alongside public affairs analyst Dr. George Agbakahi.
Suspended Officers and Government Warning
Beyond the Niger State Commandant, the suspended officers include Usman Isah Ndamaka (Officer in Charge of Station Guard, SCO), Oluwadare Sunday (Arresting Officer, CSC), Obafemi Elvis (Arresting Officer, DCC), Annas Shitto Lamino (Arresting Officer, CSC), Philip Ajayi (Head of Intelligence and Investigation, DCC), and Stephen Tsado (Officer in Charge Legal, ACC Barr), among other guards.
Tunji-Ojo warned that any attempt to destroy evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct the investigation would be treated as a serious offence. He directed the NSCDC leadership to ensure full cooperation with the panel and to preserve all records and material evidence connected to the incident.
Describing the deaths as "deeply disturbing," the minister said the government owes the victims' families and the Nigerian public a clear account of what happened. He extended his condolences to the bereaved families and appealed for calm as the investigation proceeds.
Northern Governors' Response
The Northern Nigeria Governors' Forum (NNGF) has also demanded a thorough and transparent investigation into the deaths. Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who chairs the forum, said the scale of the loss was a matter of grave concern that demanded responsible action.
