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The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners held in the agency’s custody.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as the government commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident reportedly occurred at a detention facility around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, Niger State.
The deceased were among suspects apprehended during NSCDC operations carried out on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the state.
Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Interior Minister, said the commandant would remain suspended while investigators determine what led to the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo described the development as unfortunate and said the government would establish what happened.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.
He stressed that the protection of human lives remained a priority of the government and appealed to members of the public to remain calm as the investigation continues.
The minister also expressed his condolences to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died.
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Before the suspension was announced, Aniviye had disclosed that several detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17.
The commandant attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, saying the victims were among people arrested during operations targeting illegal mining.
According to him, the NSCDC conducted a series of enforcement operations on September 15 and 16, during which suspected illegal miners were arrested and some exhibits recovered.
“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” Aniviye said.
He added that the deceased had been taken to the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
Separately, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar ordered an internal investigation into the incident.
The investigative panel is to be headed by the Deputy Commandant-General responsible for intelligence and investigation.
NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said investigators would examine several aspects of the case, including the physical condition of the detainees when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical care they received.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the cause, after which further action may be taken based on its findings.
