The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, over the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state.
The suspension was announced on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.
According to a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the deceased were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations carried out at different locations across Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The Minister described the deaths as unfortunate, saying the investigation would establish what led to the incident.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the lives and security of citizens.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is the security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is ongoing, stressing the need for the process to be allowed to proceed transparently.
He also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died in the incident.
The development follows reports of multiple deaths among suspected illegal miners held in NSCDC custody in Niger State, with calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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