NSCDC commandant suspended over deaths of suspected illegal miners in custody

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, over the alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna.

The incident reportedly occurred around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state capital in the early hours of Thursday.

A statement issued in Abuja by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, said the deceased were arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and directed a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.

He stressed that protecting lives remains a priority of the Federal Government.

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

The minister appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues. He also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.

In a separate statement issued on Friday, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, said Tunji-Ojo had directed the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a transparent and unhindered investigation.

Following the directive, Audi ordered Aniviye to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

The state commandant was directed to appear before an inquiry panel alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation.

The Corps also said a new commandant had been directed to proceed to Niger State and assume command of the state formation.

The NSCDC assured the minister that the investigation would cover all aspects of the incident.

It warned that personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.

Such sanctions, the Corps said, could include administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal proceedings under relevant laws and regulations.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody.

It added that its operations against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets would continue in line with the law and professional standards.