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 deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the security agency.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension as authorities intensified efforts to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has generated public concern and renewed scrutiny of detention conditions within security agencies.
According to official accounts, the deceased were among individuals arrested during enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16. The deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday while the suspects were being held in custody in Minna, Niger State.
Reacting to the development, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted to establish the facts and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The minister stressed the importance of accountability and professionalism within agencies under his supervision, noting that any officer found culpable would face appropriate sanctions in line with the law.
The NSCDC headquarters subsequently confirmed the suspension. National Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Commandant of Corps Babawale Afolabi, disclosed that Commandant-General Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered the affected state commandant and heads of relevant departments to report to Abuja.
According to the Corps, a panel of inquiry has been constituted to investigate the incident and determine whether established procedures were followed during the detention of the suspects.
To ensure continuity of operations, the NSCDC has already deployed a replacement commandant to oversee activities in Niger State pending the outcome of investigations.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the public that any personnel found to have violated professional standards or acted outside the law would face disciplinary measures, administrative sanctions or criminal prosecution where necessary.
The incident has drawn attention to the challenges associated with combating illegal mining activities, particularly in states where artisanal mining operations have expanded significantly in recent years.
As investigations continue, stakeholders are expected to closely monitor the findings of the inquiry panel and the measures adopted to prevent similar incidents in the future.
