The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the suspension on Friday and directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC had earlier said the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17 following a suspected disease outbreak. However, the Corps said the actual cause of death had not been established and warned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease before medical and laboratory examinations are completed.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and autopsy.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has also constituted a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
The panel is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their time in custody, detention conditions, and the medical attention they received.
Tunji-Ojo urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
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