Niger NSCDC commandant suspended over deaths of suspected illegal miners
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state.
The suspension was announced on Friday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.
According to a statement signed by the minister’s special adviser on media and publicity, Alao Babatunde, the deceased were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations conducted at different locations across Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said the investigation would establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“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.
The minister said the Federal Government’s priority remained the protection of lives and security of citizens, adding, “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this”.
Tunji-Ojo urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted, stressing the need for a transparent process. He also commiserated with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who died in the incident.
