The Niger State commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviyehas been suspended
Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who gave the directive, also ordered a full-scale investigation into the death of 33 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of NSCDC in Niger State.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement on Friday by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, directed the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, following the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Following the minister’s directive, the NSCDC Commandant General ordered the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to immediately step aside and report to the corps’ National Headquarters in Abuja to face the panel of inquiry.
Also directed to report to the National Headquarters are the state’s Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation.
The NSCDC Commandant General also ordered a new commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the state command.
Tunji-Ojo said the incident was unfortunate, stressing that the government’s priority remained the protection of lives and security of citizens.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister said.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation into the incident.
The minister also commiserated with the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and relatives of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC said its investigation would determine whether any of its personnel acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards.
The Commandant General assured the Minister of Interior that “no stone would be left unturned” in the investigation.
According to the corps, any officer or personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.
The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
