The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension and a full investigation into the incident, which followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations across parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
The NSCDC had confirmed that the suspects died while in its custody but said the exact cause of death had not been established.
An initial account from the corps raised the possibility of a diphtheria outbreak. The agency, however, later said medical and laboratory examinations would be required to establish what caused the deaths.
An intelligence report cited by the Associated Press suggested that overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility may have contributed to the deaths. A survivor reportedly told AP that about 65 people were being held in the cell.
The claims have not been independently confirmed, while post-mortem examinations are expected to provide further evidence on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Reacting to the incident, Tunji-Ojo said the government would conduct a comprehensive investigation while the commandant remained suspended.
“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 said.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities investigate the incident.
Tunji-Ojo also expressed his condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died.
Separately, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Audi, directed Aniviye to step aside and report to the corps’ national headquarters, where he is to appear before a panel of inquiry.
Audi also directed the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to appear before the panel.
The commandant general has meanwhile deployed a new commandant to Niger State to take immediate charge of the state command.
According to a statement by the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, the inquiry would be “full-scale, transparent and unhindered.”
Audi assured the interior minister that the corps would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
He further warned that any personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action.
Where the investigation establishes criminal liability, the affected personnel could also face criminal sanctions, the commandant general said.
- Cardiff hotels sell out as Joshua-Fury fight looms - September 18, 2026
- FG suspends Niger NSCDC boss over 37 miners’ deaths - September 18, 2026
- FG rules out immediate electricity tariff hike, prioritises metering - September 18, 2026
