FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners
….Full Investigation Ordered as Federal Government Vows Accountability in Custody Deaths…
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in state custody.
The suspension was announced in a statement on Friday, September 18, 2026 by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.
The incident reportedly occurred at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026.
According to the ministry, the suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Reports put the number of deceased at no fewer than 37, though the NSCDC did not give a specific figure.
The minister directed a full investigation into the incident, stressing that accountability would be pursued.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended, Tunji-Ojo said.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this.”
The minister urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation. He also commiserated with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families of the deceased.
Prior to the minister’s directive, the NSCDC had on Thursday set up an investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The team was mandated to conduct a comprehensive inquiry covering the condition of the suspects upon arrest, period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided, and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, cautioned against speculation on the cause of death, saying reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
The ministry said findings from the investigation will determine further actions.