The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in custody in Minna.
The suspension was ordered as authorities commenced a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in Niger State.
The arrests were carried out on September 15 and 16, 2026, around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, according to reports from the NSCDC and government officials.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the incident as unfortunate and directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted to establish what led to the deaths.
He said the commandant under whose watch the incident occurred would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, subsequently directed the Niger State commandant and other senior officers connected to the operation to step aside and report to the corps’ national headquarters in Abuja.
The officers affected include the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation. A new commandant has also been directed to assume immediate responsibility for the Niger State command.
The NSCDC said the investigative panel would examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, the period they spent in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical attention provided to them.
The corps had earlier said the cause of the deaths had not been conclusively established. Its Niger State command had suggested a suspected disease outbreak, but officials stressed that medical and laboratory examinations were necessary before any definitive conclusion could be reached.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, has also constituted a committee of inquiry to investigate the incident. The state government said forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to establish the scientific cause of death.
The deaths have generated public concern and protests in Minna, with residents and relatives of the deceased demanding answers and accountability.
Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue, while assuring the families of the deceased that the circumstances surrounding the incident would be thoroughly examined.
The NSCDC said personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal action where applicable.
The investigation is expected to determine how the detainees died and whether any breaches occurred in their arrest, detention or treatment while in custody.
