By Palma Ileye
The Independent Investigative Committee probing the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, has requested a two-week extension to conclude its investigation.
The committee, which was initially expected to submit its report on October 7, 2026, is seeking an extension until October 21 to enable it complete its investigation and submit what it described as a thorough and credible report.
Chairman of the committee, Jonathan Kure, (Rtd), disclosed this on Tuesday during a press briefing held in Abuja, saying the peculiar nature of the investigation and the volume of evidence gathered made additional time necessary.
According to him, “We have been able to go to Minna, during which we were able to have interaction with all the survivors.
“We were able to meet with bereaved families, families of all the deceased. We were also able to go to the site, the mining site, as well as visiting the State Command headquarters of the Civil Defence, where we went to the scene of the incident.”
Kure said the committee had also interacted with NSCDC Officers and men who were involved, either directly or indirectly, in the incident.
“We have also been able to meet, or interact with all the Civil Defence personnel—Officers and men—that were involved, either directly or indirectly, in that incident. We are still interacting with them; we are not through with that process,” he said.
He explained that although the committee was expected to submit its report within two weeks, the amount of evidence before it required more time for proper examination.
“Because of the timeline given to us, by today we should have turned in our report. But the peculiar nature of this investigation involves a large volume of testimonies and evidence which require our meticulous review and collation,” he said.
The Chairman added that the committee was still awaiting forensic and pathology reports which would be critical to determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“We are still awaiting the forensic and pathology reports, and of course, those of you who know medical investigation, you know that will take some time,” Kure said.
He said the committee was determined to ensure that its investigation was not rushed at the expense of credibility.
“We promised Nigerians a thorough job. So, because of this, we have applied and sought for an extension of another two weeks, where we hope that our report will be ready,” he said.
Kure said the extension would also enable the committee to give all persons implicated in the incident, including officers already suspended, a fair opportunity to respond to the allegations against them.
He said this was necessary to ensure that the committee’s eventual findings and recommendations could withstand scrutiny and command public confidence.
“We are determined to do what is just, what is right, and it will have to be seen to be thorough and credible,” he said.
The Chairman assured Nigerians that the committee would work within the additional two-week period to complete its assignment.
“I am assuring that within the next two weeks, we are not going to sleep, so that within that extended period, we should be able to come back to you, come back to the Minister, and submit a report that will be seen to have done justice where justice is due,” he said.
