The Federal Government has suspended the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the agency’s custody.

The government has also ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which were reported in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna, the Niger State capital.

The suspects were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC across parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026, as authorities intensified efforts to curb illegal mining activities.

Commandant Suspended Pending Investigation

The suspension was announced on Friday by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

The minister directed Aniviye to remain suspended while investigators establish what happened to the detainees during and after their arrest.

Tunji-Ojo appealed for calm among residents and urged members of the public to remain peaceful while the investigation proceeds.

He also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the families of those who lost their lives.

NSCDC Gives Account of Deaths

The development followed an earlier statement from the Niger State NSCDC command confirming that several detainees had died in the early hours of September 17.

Aniviye had said at the time that an outbreak of disease was suspected to have contributed to the deaths. However, authorities have not established the definitive cause, prompting further investigation.

The NSCDC said its officers had carried out operations on September 15 and 16 targeting suspected illegal mining activities. The exercises resulted in the arrest of several individuals and the recovery of items allegedly connected with illegal mining operations.

The bodies of the deceased were reportedly taken to General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination as authorities sought to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

NSCDC Sets Up Investigative Panel

The NSCDC has separately constituted a panel to investigate the incident.

The Corps’ Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar, ordered the panel’s formation and appointed the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of intelligence and investigation to lead the team.

The investigators are expected to examine the detainees’ condition at the time of arrest, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were held and the medical attention provided to them.

The panel will also consider other circumstances surrounding the deaths as authorities work to establish what happened to the detainees.

The Federal Government’s suspension of the Niger State commandant will remain in effect while the investigation continues.