The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the state.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension following the deaths of the miners, who were arrested during enforcement operations in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
The NSCDC had said the suspected illegal miners died while in its custody, although the cause of the deaths has not been established.
An earlier account by the NSCDC suggested a possible diphtheria outbreak, but it later said medical and laboratory examinations would be required to determine the cause.
An intelligence report shared with Associated Press (AP) said overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility may have contributed to the deaths. A survivor told AP that about 65 people were held in the cell.
The claims have not been independently confirmed, while post-mortem examinations are expected to establish the cause of the deaths.
“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.
Tunji-Ojo urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted.
He also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of the deceased.
In a separate directive, NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Audi, ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters to face a panel of inquiry.
The Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation were also directed to report to the panel.
Audi has deployed a new commandant to Niger State to take immediate control of the command.
According to a statement signed by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the investigation will be “full-scale, transparent and unhindered.”
Audi also assured the Minister of Interior that no stone would be left unturned in determining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He warned that any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions.
