Odita Sunday 
FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of 33 Suspected Illegal Miners
By Odita Sunday
The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Anibiye, following the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in custody.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension and directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which reportedly occurred around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger 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.
Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by his Media Adviser, Alao Babatunde, said the investigation would 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,” the minister said.
The minister said the Federal Government remained committed to protecting the lives of citizens and ensuring accountability within its security institutions.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow the investigation to proceed transparently.
The Minister of Interior also commiserated with the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of the deceased.
The Federal Government said the outcome of the investigation would guide further action on the incident.
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