The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and constituted a 10-member independent probe panel over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Minna, Niger State.Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo announced the action Saturday, Sept 20, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive for a comprehensive, transparent investigation.The panel is chaired by retired DSS Deputy Director-General Jonathan Kure, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma SAN, former DG of Nigeria Law School, as Secretary. Members include retired AIG Hosea Hassan Karma, Prof. Olayinka Buhari, Deji Adeyanju, representatives of Niger Government and Minna Emirate, Miners Association, and media.The committee has two weeks to establish identities of the deceased, investigate arrest, detention and cause of deaths, determine negligence or misconduct, and recommend compensation and prevention measures.Those suspended include Niger Commandant Suberu Aniviye, O/C Station Guard SC Usman Isah Ndamaka, O/C Investigation CSC Oluwadare Sunday, HOD Intel DCC Philip Ajayi, O/C Legal Barr. Stephen Tsado, and 15 other guard and arresting officers.Tunji-Ojo warned against tampering with evidence and appealed for calm.
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