The Minister of Interior, 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, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the agency’s custody.
The suspension was announced as the Federal Government commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The deceased were among suspects arrested during NSCDC operations against alleged illegal mining activities in the Wushishi-Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The Niger State NSCDC commandant had earlier attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the actual cause of death has not been established, with medical examinations and autopsies expected to provide further clarity.
The NSCDC has also launched an internal investigation into the incident. The probe will examine the circumstances of the arrests, the length and conditions of detention, the physical state of the detainees and the medical attention they received while in custody.
The incident has sparked protests in Minna, the Niger State capital, with relatives and residents demanding answers over the deaths.
The Federal Government’s decision to suspend the commandant comes amid growing calls for accountability and a transparent investigation into what happened to the detainees.
The bodies of the deceased have been taken to a hospital in Minna for examination as authorities work to establish the precise cause of the deaths.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine whether any further administrative or legal action will be taken against those found responsible.
