By Beatrice Gondyi
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, has been suspended from office with immediate effect, following the death of suspected illegal miners in the state.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also directed that a comprehensive investigation be opened into the circumstances that led to the deaths.
According to a statement released on Friday by Alao Babatunde, the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, the incident took place in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.
The statement explained that the suspected illegal miners had been arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State between September 15 and 16, 2026.
Describing the development as unfortunate, Tunji-Ojo said a full probe would be conducted while the commandant under whose watch the incident occurred remains suspended.
He stressed that the government places the security of lives at the top of its priorities, adding that it has worked to remain true to that commitment.
The minister called on members of the public to stay calm and law-abiding so that the investigation can proceed transparently.
He also extended his condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as to the families and relatives of those who lost their lives.
While reports put the number of suspected illegal miners who died in custody at no fewer than 33, the NSCDC has not disclosed a specific figure.
The deaths had already prompted the NSCDC to set up its own investigative team to establish what happened.
In a Thursday statement, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi said the team, headed by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, was tasked with conducting a thorough inquiry.
He said the investigation would examine the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, how long they were held, the conditions of their detention, the medical attention they received, and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC also warned against speculation over what caused the deaths, noting that reports linking them to any particular disease were still subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
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