The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Corps.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after the incident reportedly occurred in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna, the Niger State capital.
The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday, following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations carried out in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo said a full investigation would be conducted into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, adding that the commandant would remain suspended while the probe continues.
The minister also urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to enable the investigation to proceed transparently. He expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of those who died.
In a separate statement, NSCDC spokesman, ACC Babawale Afolabi, said the minister had directed the Commandant General of the Corps, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths.
Following the directive, Audi ordered Aniviye to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja along with the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation.
The officials are expected to appear before a panel of inquiry constituted to investigate the incident. A new commandant has also been directed to assume immediate command of the Niger State Command.
The NSCDC said officers or personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions, where applicable.
The Corps further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody, while stressing that its operations against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets would continue to be carried out within the law.
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