Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, Niger State.
The minister’s directive was disclosed in a statement issued in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, following the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Tunji-Ojo described the development as unfortunate and ordered a full-scale investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”
The minister stressed that protecting human life remains a priority of the government and appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted.
He also expressed his condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died.
NSCDC Orders Commandant to Step Aside
In a separate statement issued Friday morning, NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, said the Minister had directed the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to conduct a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation.
In compliance with the directive, the Commandant General ordered Aniviye to immediately step aside and report to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.
He was directed to appear before a panel of inquiry alongside the command’s Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation.
The Corps also confirmed that a new commandant had been directed to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the state command.
Officers Could Face Sanctions
The NSCDC said the investigation would leave no stone unturned and warned that any personnel found to have violated the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate sanctions.
Such sanctions, the Corps said, could include administrative and disciplinary measures and, where applicable, criminal prosecution in accordance with existing laws and regulations.
The Corps further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
It maintained that while the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets remain part of its statutory responsibilities, such enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and in accordance with established professional standards.
