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 alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, the state capital.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity, on Friday.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, after the suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“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 said the Federal Government’s priority remained the protection of lives and urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation.
He also commiserated with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and relatives of the deceased.
