By George Omagbemi
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 in custody.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension on Friday, September 18, 2026, while directing a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.
The suspects were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations conducted across parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining.
The deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17. The Niger State Command had initially linked the incident to a suspected disease outbreak and said the bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the cause of death remains subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. It has constituted a high-powered investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects when arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.
The Federal Government urged Nigerians to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues. Tunji-Ojo also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago.
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