The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The order was given by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, on Thursday, September 18, 2026, the Minister said the incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
According to the statement, the incident followed the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The Minister described the incident as unfortunate and said a full investigation has been ordered.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.
“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 to allow for a transparent investigation process.
The Minister also commiserated with the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and relatives of the deceased.
