The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the agency’s custody.
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‎The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
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‎The incident occurred at a detention facility around the M.I Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. The deceased were among suspects arrested during NSCDC operations on September 15 and 16, 2026, to curb illegal mining.
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‎Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Minister, Alao Babatunde, said the commandant would remain suspended pending investigation.
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‎Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said a full investigation will be conducted.
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‎”It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” he said.
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‎Before the suspension, Aniviye had said the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17, following a suspected disease outbreak, and that the bodies had been taken to General Hospital, Minna for examination.
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‎NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar, has also ordered an internal investigation headed by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Death Of 37 Suspects In Custody
