An independent investigation committee has submitted its report to the Nigerian federal government regarding the deaths of 33 artisanal miners in custody at the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC). The report, delivered five weeks after its September 22 inauguration, contains findings on the root causes of the tragedy and recommendations for disciplinary action against specific personnel. According to Premium Times, the committee’s work was initiated by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in response to the discovery of bodies at the Minna facility on September 17.
The investigation team conducted a multi-stage inquiry that included field fact-finding in Minna and interrogations in Abuja. The committee detained and questioned NSCDC staff involved in the incident, starting with the lowest-ranking officers before proceeding to high-level management. The report identifies an NSCDC top official who was implicated through verbal confessions and recommends the dismissal and prosecution of that individual along with five others. The committee also indicted the former Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and the Commandant-General himself appeared before the panel.
A critical component of the investigation was a forensic assessment conducted by Professor Mikhail Olayinka Buhari, a histopathologist. His preliminary work was central to the committee’s conclusion that 33 miners died, correcting earlier estimates that suggested a higher death toll of 37. The team also engaged with the Minna Emirate Council and Governor Mohammed Bago, who reiterated his commitment to uncovering the truth. The committee noted that the Emirate Council provided necessary facilities and that the governor’s office supported the inquiry.
The submission of the report has drawn mixed reactions, reflecting a broader societal issue. As noted in the source text, "Between the Nigerian government and citizens, the trust deficit is huge." The author, Zainab Suleiman Okino, a member of the committee, acknowledged that while some citizens expressed confidence in the team’s integrity, others viewed the establishment of such committees with suspicion. Despite this skepticism, Okino stated that the committee members maintained their independence and avoided outside interference during their five-week tenure. The report was finalized late on the eve of its presentation on October 27, awaiting government action for restitution for the victims’ families.