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| Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), |
The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners held in custody. Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension and directed a full investigation into the tragic incident that unfolded in Minna, the state capital.
According to a statement released on Friday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the miners were arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. The deaths occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. Reports indicate that no fewer than 33 of the suspects died while in NSCDC custody, though the agency has not confirmed an exact figure.
Tunji-Ojo described the development as unfortunate but stressed that a thorough probe would be conducted. “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 stated. He urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding to enable a transparent inquiry and extended condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago as well as the families of the deceased.
Earlier, the NSCDC had already set up an investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. The team was tasked with examining the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, their treatment while in custody, the state of detention facilities, any medical attention provided, and other circumstances surrounding the fatalities. The corps also cautioned against premature speculation, noting that claims linking the deaths to any specific disease would require medical and laboratory confirmation.
The suspension of the state commandant underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government is treating the matter. Illegal mining remains a persistent challenge in parts of Nigeria, often linked to environmental degradation, insecurity, and loss of lives. Authorities have repeatedly intensified operations against the practice, yet the deaths in custody raise critical questions about detention standards, medical response, and accountability within security agencies.
As the investigation proceeds, expectations are high that findings will bring clarity and ensure justice for the victims while reinforcing protocols that protect the lives of those in official custody. The minister’s decisive action signals a commitment to transparency and the prioritisation of human life in security operations.