The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the state.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered Aniviye’s immediate suspension and directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The incident reportedly occurred at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, Niger State, after the NSCDC arrested scores of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026.
“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 in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.
The minister stressed that the protection of human life remained a priority of the Federal Government and called on members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation proceeds.
He also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died.
Death toll remains under investigation
The suspension follows reports that several suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody.
Initial reports by The PUNCH put the number of deceased at no fewer than 33, based on information from a source at the General Hospital, Minna. However, the NSCDC initially stated only that “scores” of detained suspects had been found dead and did not officially confirm a specific figure.
Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was subsequently reported by Blueprint as saying that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody. The differing figures underscore the need for the ongoing investigation and medical examination to establish the exact number of deaths.
The NSCDC had earlier said the deaths were suspected to be connected to a disease outbreak. The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
However, the NSCDC national headquarters cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease before medical and laboratory tests are completed.
The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the Commandant-General, Ahmed Audi, had constituted a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The panel was mandated to examine the physical condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided to them and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC also directed that the health and welfare of other persons still in custody be given priority and that measures be taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
Crackdown on illegal mining
The deaths occurred amid an intensified crackdown on illegal mining in Niger State and other parts of Nigeria.
The NSCDC has expanded the activities of its Mining Marshals as part of efforts to prevent unauthorised exploitation of Nigeria’s mineral resources.
The September 15 and 16 operations in Niger State were part of these enforcement activities, during which the Corps said scores of suspected illegal miners were arrested and various exhibits recovered.
The latest development has, however, shifted attention from the enforcement operation to the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees.
Relatives and residents from communities including M.I. Wushishi and Mekunkle reportedly protested after news of the deaths emerged.
Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations continue.
The Federal Government’s decision to suspend the state commandant places the circumstances of the deaths under direct scrutiny while the NSCDC and relevant authorities work to establish what happened to the detainees.
Until the medical examinations and investigations are concluded, the precise cause of death, as well as the final number of deceased detainees, remains subject to official confirmation.
