By Opeyemi Adelakun
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension after an incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the Niger State capital.
The deceased were among suspected illegal miners reportedly arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the reported deaths.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.
He said the government’s priority remained the protection of lives and assured the public that the matter would be investigated.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” he added.
The minister urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted, stressing the need to allow a transparent process.
Tunji-Ojo also commiserated with the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who died.
Leave a Reply