The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
Tunji-Ojo gave the order in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The suspension follows the alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
According to the statement, 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.
“It is an unfortunate incident. However, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this.”
The Minister urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation process.
He also commiserated with the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and relatives of the deceased.
