BREAKING: FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners
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 suspected illegal miners in the state.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday, September 18, 2026, as the government directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident reportedly occurred around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, in the early hours of Thursday.
According to the Ministry of Interior, the deceased were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations carried out across parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.
The number of deaths has been reported differently by various media outlets, with figures ranging from more than 30 to about 40. The NSCDC has not confirmed a specific final death toll.
The NSCDC had earlier confirmed that some of the detained suspects died and constituted a high-powered investigative team to establish what led to the deaths.
The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
The corps has also cautioned against speculation over the cause of death, saying claims linking the deaths to a specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
Announcing the suspension, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said a full investigation would be conducted while the commandant remained suspended.
The minister also called for calm and urged members of the public to remain law-abiding while the investigation continues. He expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of the deceased.
The outcome of the investigation is expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and any further action that may be required.
