The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Anibiye, over the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in custody.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who ordered the suspension, also directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine the appropriate next steps.
‘It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended’, Dr Tunji-Ojo lamented in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Alao Babatunde.
‘We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,’ the Minister said.
He urged members of the public to maintain calm and remain law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation process.
He further commiserated with the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of the deceased.