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Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has commended the Federal Government for swiftly suspending the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and other top officials over the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday ordered the immediate suspension of the commandant, alongside the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation, who were directed to report to the Corps Headquarters in Abuja pending investigation.
The 37 victims, mostly artisanal miners, reportedly died in NSCDC custody in Minna in the early hours of Thursday, after they were arrested during enforcement operations on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis.
The NSCDC initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, while Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago said the state has set up a committee of inquiry.
The Niger State Government also declared three days of mourning.
Reacting in a post on X on Friday, Atiku said the suspension was an important first step.
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“I commend the Federal Government for the swift decision to suspend the officers under whose watch this tragedy occurred and to order a full investigation. That is an important first step, but it must not end there,” Atiku said.
Atiku said he was deeply saddened and profoundly disturbed by the deaths as the victims “were human beings—sons, fathers, brothers and loved ones, whose families had every right to expect that, whatever allegations they faced, the state would protect their lives and dignity while they remained in its custody”.
He emphasised that no Nigerian should enter government custody and lose the most basic right of all: the right to life.
The presidential candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) called for an investigation into the incident for the sake of justice.
Atiku said, “The investigation must be independent, thorough and transparent, and its findings must be made public. Anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence must be held fully accountable.
“The families of the deceased deserve more than condolences. They deserve the truth. They deserve justice. And Nigerians deserve the assurance that custody by the state will never become a death sentence.”
