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| Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo |
In a swift and firm response to a tragic incident that has shaken Niger State, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has suspended the state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) along with 20 other officers. The move follows the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were being held in NSCDC custody in Minna.
The deaths happened on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The victims had been arrested just a day or two earlier during operations targeting illegal mining in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas. Scores of people were picked up, and various items were recovered. The next day, 37 of them were found dead inside the cell.
The NSCDC first suggested a possible disease outbreak and said the bodies were taken to General Hospital Minna for examination. The exact cause of death is still not confirmed. Survivors have painted a different picture. One man, Dauda Shehu, said the cell was overcrowded and poorly ventilated, making it hard to breathe. Another survivor claimed a perfume-like substance was sprayed inside the packed cell shortly before people started collapsing.
These accounts have not been officially verified, but they have fueled public anger. Protests broke out in Minna, forcing the Niger State Government to impose a curfew. Governor Umar Bago confirmed the death toll and ordered a state investigation. President Bola Tinubu also directed a full probe.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Interior announced the suspensions. The Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, was already suspended. The 20 additional officers include station guards, arresting officers, investigation heads, legal officers, and night/guard duty personnel. Their names and ranks have been published publicly.
At the same time, a 10-member independent committee has been set up. Its job is to identify the dead, examine how they were arrested and detained, find out exactly how and why they died, and decide who is responsible. The panel will also recommend any compensation if needed.
This case highlights serious questions about detention conditions, the handling of large arrests, and accountability within security agencies. While the fight against illegal mining is important for Nigeria’s economy and environment, the loss of 37 lives in custody has raised deep concerns about human rights and proper procedures. The independent investigation is now the key step toward finding answers and preventing any future tragedies.