FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of 37 Miners in Custody

The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody in Minna, Niger State.

The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday, September 18, 2026, alongside a directive for a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

According to a statement issued by the minister’s Senior Assistant on Media and Publicity, Babatunde Alao, the deaths occurred after NSCDC enforcement operations conducted around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna on September 15 and 16.

The NSCDC had earlier confirmed that some of the suspects arrested during the operations were found dead in custody in the early hours of September 17. The Corps initially attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak, but said the actual cause had not been established.

The NSCDC subsequently constituted a high-powered investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided. 

The Interior Minister said the suspension of the commandant would remain in effect while the investigation proceeds.

Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said the investigation would establish what happened and determine the appropriate action to be taken.

He also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the authorities investigate the incident, while extending condolences to the Niger State Government and families of the deceased.

The reported death toll has varied in early accounts, with the NSCDC initially referring to “scores” of deceased suspects and several reports putting the figure at 33. Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, however, confirmed the death toll at 37. 

The cause of death also remains under investigation. The NSCDC has cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease before medical and laboratory examinations are completed. The remains were taken for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death. 

The Niger State Police Command has also commenced a separate investigation into the incident, while the NSCDC national leadership continues its inquiry.