The independent committee investigating the death of 37 miners who died mysteriously in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has requested a two-week extension to conclude its investigation.
Chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing.
He said the panel was yet to conclude its work because it was still awaiting forensic and pathology reports and reviewing a large volume of evidence.
He said the committee had made appreciable progress, including visiting the custody facility and the mining site, conducting autopsies, taking statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families of the deceased and other witnesses, as well as collecting documentary and forensic evidence.
According to him, the committee was determined to ensure that its findings and recommendations would withstand scrutiny and command public confidence.
Kure said: “We promised Nigerians a thorough job. Because of this, we have applied and sought for an extension of another two weeks, during which we hope that our report will be ready.
“We are determined to do what is just, what is right, and it will have to be seen to be thorough and credible,” he added.
He explained that the committee had interacted with the survivors, bereaved families and NSCDC personnel who were directly or indirectly involved in the incident.
The chairman added that the committee had identified issues that would require further examination, including possible institutional breakdown, overzealousness and the need for additional training for some personnel.
Kure said the committee would use the additional two weeks to complete its interactions, analyse the evidence and receive the outstanding medical reports before submitting its final report.
The Federal Government had inaugurated the 10-member committee following reports that 37 people arrested on suspicion of illegal mining died while in NSCDC custody in Niger State.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while inaugurating the committee, said its establishment was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
He had also ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC and all officers on duty covering arrest, investigation, legal, station and guard duties between September 15 and 17, 2026, pending the outcome of the investigation.
