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 custody of the Corps.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension after the incident in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, Niger State.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.
According to the statement, the deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“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 protecting lives remained a priority of the Federal Government.
The minister appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain 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.
In a separate statement issued on Friday morning, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, said the minister had directed the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a full, transparent and unhindered investigation.
In compliance with the directive, Audi ordered Aniviye to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
The state commandant was directed to appear before a panel of inquiry alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation of the Niger State Command.
The Corps also announced that a new commandant had been directed to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command.
The NSCDC said the investigation would examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and assured the minister that no stone would be left unturned.
It warned that any officer or personnel found to have acted outside the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary measures and, where applicable, criminal sanctions under existing laws and regulations.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of everyone in its custody.
It also said enforcement of its statutory responsibilities, including combating illegal mining and protecting Nigeria’s critical national assets, would continue in accordance with the law and established professional standards.
