The Federal Government has suspended Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody. JoinDiaspora Networks
The government also ordered a full investigation into the incident, which occurred after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state.
In a statement issued on Friday by Alao Babatunde, special adviser on media and publicity to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the government said Aniviye would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tunji-Ojo described the deaths as unfortunate and said the government’s priority was protecting lives.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”
The minister urged residents to remain calm and allow investigators to establish what happened.
He also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.
NSCDC says suspects died after suspected disease outbreak
The suspects were arrested during NSCDC operations on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.
Aniviye had earlier said “scores” of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of September 17.
He attributed the deaths to a suspected outbreak of disease but said the actual cause would be established through medical examination.
“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease.”
The corpses were taken to the General Hospital, Minna, for further examination.
NSCDC opens investigation
NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi also ordered a high-powered investigation into the incident.
The investigative team, led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
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NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said investigators would look into the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their time in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided to them.
“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.”
The NSCDC has said it would avoid speculation until the investigation and medical examination establish the cause of death.
Adeyanju demands independent probe
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths.
Adeyanju also called for the prosecution of anyone found responsible, saying people held in state custody are entitled to humane treatment.
He questioned the explanation of a suspected disease outbreak and said it should not be accepted without an independent investigation.
“It is unacceptable that people in State custody should die in such circumstances,” Adeyanju said.
He described the deaths as deeply tragic and argued that the circumstances surrounding the incident must be thoroughly investigated.
