Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

Honourable Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

#PBATVersary

[Presidency Nigeria @NGRPresident]

FG Declares Thursday, October 1, 2026, Public Holiday To Mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

@MinOfInteriorNG | @BTOofficial

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

Today, I welcomed Mrs. Christa Udeagu, Trustee of NigerWives Nigeria, who represented the National President, Mrs. Pam Obi-Nwandu, and her team members on a working visit to my office.

We held a constructive engagement focused on practical steps to improve the spousal Residence Permit process for foreign nationals married to Nigerian citizens.

The discussion centred on removing unnecessary bottlenecks, clarifying eligibility criteria, and ensuring genuine spouses gain the stability they need to live, work, and contribute meaningfully in Nigeria.

This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which prioritises inclusive growth and social cohesion. We will keep the lines open as we move from discussion to implementation, so these efforts deliver real benefits for families across our nation.

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

Today, I welcomed Mrs. Christa Udeagu, Trustee of NigerWives Nigeria, who represented the National President, Mrs. Pam Obi-Nwandu, and her team members on a working visit to my office.

We held a constructive engagement focused on practical steps to improve the spousal Residence Permit process for foreign nationals married to Nigerian citizens.

The discussion centred on removing unnecessary bottlenecks, clarifying eligibility criteria, and ensuring genuine spouses gain the stability they need to live, work, and contribute meaningfully in Nigeria.

This aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, which prioritises inclusive growth and social cohesion. We will keep the lines open as we move from discussion to implementation, so these efforts deliver real benefits for families across our nation.

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

Today, on behalf of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, I inaugurated a 10-member Independent Investigative Committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

On behalf of the Federal Government and the Ministry of Interior, I once again extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, the Government and people of Niger State, and all Nigerians affected by this tragic incident.

No life should be lost in the custody of the State. This is not who we are. This is not what His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, stands for. This administration was elected on the promise that every Nigerian life matters and that security must be provided with humanity, professionalism, and respect for human rights.

Upon receiving the report, and in line with a clear directive from Mr. President for a comprehensive, transparent, and unhindered investigation, I took two immediate actions.

First, I ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Corps and all officers who were on duty and responsible for arrest, investigation, legal, station, and guard duties between 15 and 17 September 2026. They remain suspended pending the outcome of this investigation.

Second, I have today inaugurated this Independent Investigative Committee to establish the full truth of what happened.

In my charge to the Committee, chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, with Prof. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), a former Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, as Secretary, I made it clear that their mandate is thorough and non-negotiable.

They are required to identify the deceased persons and determine the immediate and remote causes of their deaths, including the time and place of death; Investigate the circumstances that led to their arrest and detention by the NSCDC in Niger State; examine the legality and suitability of the detention facility, the duration of detention, and full compliance with relevant laws, procedures, and human rights standards; investigate whether the deceased were subjected to torture or inhumane treatment, or were denied medical care while in detention; amongst others.

I have granted the Committee full authority to co-opt experts, access all facilities and documents, visit relevant locations, conduct forensic examinations, and request memoranda from members of the public. I am expecting an interim report within two weeks. I believe this process will lead to meaningful institutional reform in our system.

As a government, I have directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully. All records and material evidence must be preserved and made available without delay.

Accordingly, we shall ensure that no attempt is made to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or obstruct this investigation. Any such attempt shall be treated as a serious offence.

To Nigerians, I say this: We owe you the truth. This Committee will deliver the truth. No officer, no matter how highly placed, will be shielded if found culpable.

To the families who have lost loved ones, I appeal for calm and patience. The Government will not abandon you.

Once again, it is important to emphasise that leadership is not a popularity contest. Our responsibility is to uphold the trust of Mr. President and, by extension, the trust of Nigerians. In fulfilment of the Renewed Hope Initiative, I have no doubt about the capacity of this Committee. What is germane, however, is for the Committee to channel that capacity towards a thorough, impartial, and transformative process, one that will strengthen accountability and safeguard lives.

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

PRESS STATEMENT

FG constitutes independent committee to investigate reported deaths of 37 people in NSCDC custody, releases full list of suspended officers

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has constituted a ten-member independent committee to investigate the reported deaths of 37 people held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, on suspicion of illegal mining.

The action follows a directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident, which occurred on Thursday, 17 September 2026.

The Minister also directed the suspension of all officers involved in the incident pending the conclusion of the independent committee’s investigation.

Describing the deaths as deeply disturbing, the Minister said the government owes the families of the deceased and the Nigerian public a transparent account of the events leading to the incident.

The independent committee is expected to establish the identities of the deceased, and investigate their arrests, detention and the cause and circumstances of their deaths.

The Minister directed the committee to determine responsibility, complicity, negligence, and misconduct, and to recommend appropriate action, compensation where applicable, and measures to prevent a recurrence.

The Minister also directed the NSCDC leadership and all relevant officers to cooperate fully with the Committee, while further directing that all records and material evidence connected to the incident be preserved and made available to the investigators.

“Any attempt to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses or obstruct the investigation will be treated as a serious offence,” he warned.

The members of the Committee are:

https://t.co/zzbcmYIdRy Jonathan Kure, mni, retired Deputy Director-General, Department of State Services, as Chairman

https://t.co/5mSrtoDmTK. Isa Hayatu Chiroma (SAN), former Director-General of the Nigeria Law School, as Secretary

https://t.co/Be15yUhH2R Hosea Hassan Karma (retired)

https://t.co/wrhRn8M6fc. Olayinka Buhari, Professor of Histopathology and former Chief Medical Director of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital

5.Representative of the Minna Emirate Council

6.Representative of the Niger State Government

7.Alhaji Liman Sulaiman, National Secretary, Miners Association of Nigeria

https://t.co/YO5g9QyO7p Deji Adeyanju, lawyer and human rights activist

9.Mrs Zainab Suleiman Okino of Blueprint Newspaper

10. Dr. George Agbakahi, Public Affairs Analyst.

The Committee may co-opt relevant experts, access all necessary facilities and documents, visit relevant locations and request memoranda from members of the public. It has two weeks to complete its work and submit its report to the Minister.

The following officers have been suspended, in addition to the Niger State Commandant of the Corps:

1.O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka

2.Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed

3.Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed

4.Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday

5.Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis

6.Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino

7.HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi

8.O/C Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado

https://t.co/zJCfsSSyZ0 Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed

10.Guard Duty, IC Abdullahi Sale

11.Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Sonfada

12.Guard Duty, CAI Liman Abubakar

13.Guard Duty, CAI Bala Usman

14.Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Jiya

15.Guard Duty, DSC Isah Suleiman

16.Guard Duty, CAI Ahmed Wushishi

17.Guard Duty, IC Sale Adamu

18.Guard Duty, IC Haruna Mohammed

19.Guard Duty, ASCI Aliyu Sallah

20.Guard Duty, CAI Isah Sanusi

The Minister extends his condolences to the families of the deceased and appeals for calm while the investigation continues.

Signed:
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
Honourable Minister of Interior
Federal Republic of Nigeria

September 19, 2026

[Alao Babatunde @aeonalloy]

The Minister of Interior, @BTOofficial arrives at the Niger State government house in Minna to commiserate with the people of the State following the unfortunate incident that led to loss of lives at the facility of NSCDC

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

Casualty of alleged illegal miners in Niger state: FG orders immediate suspension of Commandant, orders full investigation

The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

The suspension follows the alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in M.I. Wushishi/ Lukoto axis of Minna the state capital.

The incident which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday followed the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.

“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” the Minister declared.

He urged members of the public to maintain calm and remain law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation process.

He further commiserates with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State and the families and relatives of the deceased.

Signed:
Alao Babatunde
Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity

September 18, 2026

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

I received the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Pete Vowles, today which is his third day in office.

Among other things, the conversation focused on strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

A surge of energy and national pride filled the Banquet Hall of the State House in Abuja today as Nigeria marked the 8th National Day of Identity. I was deeply moved by the powerful current of shared purpose and national determination that electrified the atmosphere around us.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The event organised by the National Identity Management Commission,(NIMC) under the Ministry of Interior, with the theme: Nigeria’s Digital Public Ecosystem: Powering Africa’s Digital Economy, was more than a celebration of a date. But a clear affirmation that identity sits at the very core of our sovereignty, our security, and our shared prosperity as the largest Black nation on earth.

In my address, I emphasised that trusted identity is the bridge between the state and the citizen. It unlocks economic opportunity, strengthens national security, and guarantees genuine social inclusion. Without verified identity, millions remain locked out of the formal economy. With it, digital commerce thrives, public services reach those who need them most, and the state can serve with precision and dignity.

Under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigeria has taken a decisive leap with the enactment of the National Identity Management Commission Act, 2026. This landmark legislation provides a secure, modern legal foundation for our Digital Public Infrastructure. It signals to the world that Nigeria is building on structural trust, and it reassures every citizen that their personal data is a protected national asset.

To every Nigerian yet to enrol for a National Identification Number: the time is now. To those already registered, guard your credentials with care. Your identity is your digital footprint. Value it. Protect it. Use it responsibly.

This National Day of Identity reminds us of a simple, powerful truth that every Nigerian matters, every Nigerian deserves recognition, and every citizen must be included and protected. With President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda guiding us, we are building a Nigeria where identity powers opportunity, security, and dignity for all.

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

From disruption to stability. From barriers to opportunity. From promises to progress.

Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Nigeria’s education sector is witnessing a new chapter — stronger support for students, expanded access to tertiary education, NELFUND’s interest-free student loans, improved scholarships, teacher development, skills-focused learning, and renewed investment in the education system.

This is more than policy. It is an investment in the future of Nigeria.

Promises made! Progress delivered! Renewed Hope in education!

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

Earlier today, I stopped by to pay a courtesy visit to the APC National Women Leader, Hon. (Dr.) Mary Alile Idele, at her office in Abuja.

[Ministry of Interior @MinOfInteriorNG]

PRESS STATEMENT

NO EXTRA CHARGES FOR SPECIAL PASSPORT INTERVENTION IN UK – INTERIOR MINISTER CLARIFIES

The Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has noted with concern the inconvenience experienced by Nigerians in the United Kingdom regarding the application and processing of their international passport during the ongoing special passport intervention exercise.

The intervention exercise was introduced to provide more options for Nigerians in the United Kingdom to process their application.

It is therefore necessary to clarify that this process does not come with extra cost different from the official fees of $150 and $230 for a five-year and ten-year validity passports respectively, exclusive of bank charges.

Neither the Ministry of Interior nor the Nigeria Immigration Service has introduced any other charges outside the aforementioned.

However, consultations are ongoing with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure that any inconveniences during this process do not persist any longer.

This government has demonstrated high level of responsibility to Nigerians home and abroad, and remains committed to its promises of providing succour to all.

Applicants are further advised to take advantage of the seamless contactless biometric passport application system.

Signed:
Alao Babatunde
Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity

September 7, 2026

[Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo @BTOofficial]

Earlier today, I received the Ondo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) reconciliation committee, chaired by Hon. Biyi Poroye, in Abuja.