The Independent Investigative Panel set up by the Federal Government to investigate the deaths of 37 miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has requested a two-week extension to complete its assignment.
The panel also said preliminary findings pointed to “elements of institutional lapses” and “elements of over-zealousness” in the handling of the arrest and detention of the miners by NSCDC personnel.
Chairman of the 10-member panel, Jonathan Kure, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the progress of the investigation.
Kure said the investigation had also identified areas where NSCDC personnel required additional training and professionalism to enable them to effectively handle cases of such magnitude.
He said the panel was seeking an extension from the initial deadline of October 7 to October 21, 2026, citing the volume of evidence and testimonies that still required detailed review.
“Recall that on inauguration, our committee was mandated to submit its report within two weeks,” Kure said.
He said the committee had made appreciable progress, including inspecting the custody facility, conducting autopsies, taking statements from NSCDC personnel, survivors, families and other witnesses, as well as collecting documentary and forensic evidence.
However, Kure said the panel was yet to conclude its assignment due to the large volume of testimony and documentary evidence requiring meticulous review and collation.
He added that the panel was also awaiting forensic and pathology reports considered essential to establishing the cause of death.
According to him, the committee also needed to give all persons implicated in the incident, including officers who had been suspended, an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
“This is so that the Committee’s findings and recommendations will withstand scrutiny and command public confidence,” he said.
Kure said the panel had therefore requested an extension of two weeks, from October 7 to October 21, to conclude the investigation and submit what he described as a thorough and credible final report.
The chairman acknowledged the cooperation received from the Federal Ministry of Interior, the NSCDC, the Niger State Government, the Minna Emirate, affected communities and survivors.
He said the extension was necessary given the nature and volume of the investigation, assuring that the panel would conduct a thorough review before submitting its final report.