Interior Minister Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Miners’ Death

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Mr Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the death of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Corps.

The suspension followed a directive by the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who ordered the commandant to step aside pending a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The suspected miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

The deaths allegedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.

Mr Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted.

“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.

He added that the government’s priority was the protection of lives and called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.

“We run a government whose ultimate priority is the security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this,” he said.

The minister also expressed condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mr Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC Commandant General, Mr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered a detailed investigation into the incident.

The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, Mr ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Mr Afolabi said Aniviye had been directed to report immediately to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to appear before a panel of inquiry.

He is expected to appear before the panel alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation of the Niger State Command.

The NSCDC has also deployed a new commandant to take charge of its Niger State Command with immediate effect.

According to the Corps, the investigation will establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any personnel violated the law or established operational procedures.

It said personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary measures and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.

It also said operations against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets would continue, but stressed that such operations must be conducted within the law and established professional standards.