FG suspends NSCDC commandant in Niger state over deaths of 37 miners

 The federal government has ordered the immediate suspension of Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.

 

The government also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.

 

The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC in parts of Niger state on September 15 and 16, 2026.

 

In a statement issued on Friday by Alao Babatunde, special adviser on media and publicity to Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, the government said the commandant on whose watch the incident occurred would remain suspended pending the outcome of investigation.

 

 

“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.

 

“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this.”

 

Tunji-Ojo urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation.

 

 

He also commiserated with Umaru Bago, governor of Niger state, and the families and relatives of the deceased.

 

NSCDC SAYS SUSPECTED DISEASE OUTBREAK CAUSED DEATHS

 

Aniviye had earlier said “scores” of detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of September 17 following what he described as a suspected outbreak of disease.

 

He said the Niger command conducted a “burst operation” on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities.

 

 

According to him, the operation led to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.

 

“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” he said.

 

Aniviye said the corpses had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

 

He added that the corps was working in synergy with sister security agencies and appealed to the public and families of the deceased to remain calm.

 

 

NSCDC CONSTITUTES PANEL TO INVESTIGATE DEATHS

 

Ahmed Abubakar, commandant-general of the NSCDC, directed the constitution of a “high-powered” investigative team to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

 

Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC national public relations officer, said the team would be led by the deputy commandant-general in charge of intelligence and investigation.

 

He said the team would investigate the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other relevant circumstances.

 

 

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident,” Afolabi said.l