FG suspends Niger NSCDC commandant over deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, minister of interior, has ordered the suspension of Suberu Aniviye, commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state, over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.

Tunji-Ojo also ordered a full investigation into the deaths, which followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.

The deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages in Minna, the state capital.

The NSCDC had confirmed that the suspects died while in its custody but said the exact cause of death had not been established.

An initial account by the corps raised the possibility of a diphtheria outbreak. The agency, however, later said medical and laboratory examinations would be required to determine the cause of the deaths.

An intelligence report cited by the Associated Press suggested that overcrowding and inadequate ventilation at the detention facility may have contributed to the deaths.

A survivor reportedly told AP that about 65 people were being held in the cell.

The claims have not been independently confirmed, while post-mortem examinations are expected to provide further evidence on the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Tunji-Ojo said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted, and the commandant would remain suspended pending the outcome.

“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.

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

He appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities investigate the incident.

Tunji-Ojo also expressed condolences to Umaru Bago, governor of Niger state, and the families and relatives of those who died.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Audi, NSCDC commandant-general, directed Aniviye to step aside and report to the corps’ national headquarters to appear before a panel of inquiry.

Audi also directed the heads of operations, mining, legal, intelligence and investigation to appear before the panel.

The commandant-general has deployed a new commandant to Niger state to take immediate charge of the state command.

According to Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC national public relations officer, the inquiry would be “full-scale, transparent and unhindered”.

Audi assured the interior minister that the corps would thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He warned that any personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action.