The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension on Friday, September 18, 2026, after reports emerged of the deaths of suspects arrested during anti-illegal mining operations in the state.
The incident reportedly occurred in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, in the early hours of Thursday.
The suspected illegal miners had reportedly been arrested during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
FG Orders Full Investigation Into Niger Mining Deaths
Tunji-Ojo said a full investigation would be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“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.
The suspension places the Niger State NSCDC commandant under administrative scrutiny as authorities investigate what happened to the suspects following their arrest during the anti-illegal mining operations.
The minister did not disclose the number of suspected illegal miners who died or provide details on the precise circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Tunji-Ojo: Government’s Priority Is Protection of Lives
The Interior Minister said the incident was unfortunate and stressed that protecting lives remained a priority of the Federal Government.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He appealed to members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted.
According to the minister, allowing the investigation to proceed without disruption would help create the conditions for a transparent examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Minister Commiserates With Families of Deceased
Tunji-Ojo also expressed condolences to the families and relatives of the suspected illegal miners who died.
He extended his commiserations to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago over the incident.
The statement announcing the suspension and investigation was signed by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser to the Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity, and dated September 18, 2026.
NSCDC Had Earlier Reported Deaths in Custody
The Federal Government’s directive follows an earlier statement by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC concerning the deaths of suspects arrested during its anti-illegal mining operations.
The command had said some suspected illegal miners arrested during operations on September 15 and 16 were found dead on September 17.
In its account of the incident, the NSCDC referred to what it described as a disease outbreak in the cell. However, the command did not identify the disease or provide details sufficient to establish the cause of the deaths.
The bodies of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination.
The corps also said it was working with other security agencies and relevant authorities to establish what happened.
The Bureau Journal previously reported the deaths of the suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody in Niger State, including the medical examination expected to help determine the cause of death.
Suspended Commandant Was in Charge of Niger NSCDC
The suspension of Aniviye means the Federal Government has taken an immediate administrative step while the wider investigation continues.
The government has not yet released findings establishing what caused the deaths or whether any procedural violations occurred during the detention of the suspects.
Those questions are expected to form part of the investigation ordered by the Interior Ministry.
The outcome could also clarify the relationship between the reported disease outbreak mentioned by the NSCDC and the deaths recorded among the detainees.
Illegal Mining Enforcement Comes Under Scrutiny
The deaths occurred against the backdrop of intensified enforcement against illegal mining activities in Niger State and other parts of Nigeria.
The NSCDC has a Mining Marshals unit involved in enforcement operations against illegal mining. In June, The Bureau Journal reported how the NSCDC Mining Marshals commander responded to allegations involving a reported N2 billion in suspicious transactions, while also discussing challenges surrounding illegal mining enforcement.
The mining sector has increasingly attracted the attention of security agencies because illegal extraction of mineral resources raises concerns over environmental damage, government revenue, community safety and criminal activity.
Broader Security Operations Continue Across Nigeria
The Niger State development comes as security agencies continue operations against criminal networks and other security threats across the country.
In Kogi State, for example, security operatives recently intercepted a large cache of arms and ammunition during an intelligence-led operation aimed at preventing a planned retaliatory attack by suspected criminal elements.
Security forces have also continued targeted operations against suspected terrorist and criminal groups. The Bureau Journal reported that troops and local vigilantes arrested two suspected terrorists during a patrol operation in Ajaokuta, Kogi State.
More recently, security agencies heightened surveillance around schools, NYSC orientation camps and other vulnerable locations following intelligence about possible terrorist mobilisation in parts of Nigeria.
Security, Accountability and Custody Procedures
The Niger incident also raises questions about the procedures governing the detention and welfare of suspects held by security agencies.
Those questions are particularly relevant where detainees die before the conclusion of investigations or prosecution.
The Federal Government’s decision to suspend the commandant pending a full investigation indicates that the circumstances surrounding the deaths will be examined beyond the initial account provided by the Niger State NSCDC Command.
The broader debate over Nigeria’s security architecture has also continued at the legislative level. The Bureau Journal reported that the Senate passed the State Police constitutional amendment bill, while a separate explainer examines the proposed structure, funding, oversight and safeguards contained in the State Police Bill.
Read: Everything You Need to Know About the State Police Bill in Nigeria
Investigation Expected to Establish What Happened
For now, the exact circumstances surrounding the deaths remain subject to investigation.
The medical examination of the bodies is expected to provide evidence concerning the cause of death, while the Federal Government’s investigation is expected to examine events surrounding the suspects’ arrest, detention and treatment.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the identities of the deceased, the total number of fatalities or the nature of the illness referred to in the NSCDC’s earlier statement.
Further findings from the investigation and medical examination are expected to provide greater clarity on the incident and determine whether any administrative or operational failures occurred.
The Bureau Journal will continue to monitor developments from the Federal Ministry of Interior, NSCDC and other relevant authorities.
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