NSCDC Evidence Scandal: Tunji-Ojo Says Officers Tampered With Evidence in Miners’ Deaths

Nigeria’s Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has raised concerns over alleged evidence tampering by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) during investigations into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in custody in Minna, Niger State.

The development emerged as a Federal Government investigative panel submitted its report on the incident on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, recommending disciplinary action against personnel found responsible and a ₦1.4 billion compensation package for bereaved families and survivors.

The panel found that the detainees had been held in a severely overcrowded cell, where poor ventilation, extreme heat and dehydration contributed to the deaths. It said the incident was preventable and identified failures in supervision, detention procedures and the duty of care owed to people in custody.

According to the committee, the operation that led to the arrests was conducted without an operational order from the NSCDC national headquarters. It also found that the corps’ specialised Mining Marshals Unit was not involved in the operation.

The panel recommended the dismissal of personnel whose actions directly contributed to the deaths, as well as prosecution where the evidence supports criminal charges. It called for administrative sanctions against officers whose failures did not directly cause the fatalities.

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The proposed ₦1.4 billion compensation package includes ₦30 million for each of the 33 bereaved families and ₦10 million for each of the 41 survivors. Other recommendations include educational support for the dependants of deceased detainees, medical rehabilitation for survivors, psychological support for affected families and a formal government apology.

The deaths followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations in Minna in September. The incident sparked public outrage and calls for accountability, prompting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to order a comprehensive investigation.

The reported death toll has varied: initial accounts referred to 33 deaths, while the Niger State Government and subsequent federal investigation reports referred to 37. The figures should therefore be distinguished when reporting the panel’s findings.

The panel’s recommendations are not criminal convictions. Any prosecution must follow due process, and responsibility must be established through the appropriate legal proceedings.