JUST IN: FG SUSPENDS NSCDC NIGER STATE COMMANDANT OVER DEATHS OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS, ORDERS FULL INVESTIGATION

FG SUSPENDS NSCDC NIGER STATE COMMANDANT OVER DEATHS OF SUSPECTED ILLEGAL MINERS, ORDERS FULL INVESTIGATION


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 reports of the deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, the Niger State capital.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension on Friday, September 18, 2026, and directed that a full investigation be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Minister's Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the reported deaths occurred in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna in the early hours of Thursday.

The incident reportedly followed the arrest of some individuals suspected of engaging in illegal mining activities during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

The Federal Government said the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be investigated, with the Niger State NSCDC Commandant remaining suspended pending the outcome of the process.

“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the Federal Government's position that the protection of lives remains a priority, stressing that the investigation would be allowed to proceed.

“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” he added.

The minister appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted, noting the importance of allowing the process to take place transparently.

He also expressed condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who reportedly died in the incident.

The statement was signed by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity, and dated September 18, 2026.

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