The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is undergoing an immediate leadership change following the controversial deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the corps’ custody.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to step aside pending a comprehensive investigation into the incident. The suspects were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026, with the deaths occurring in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
Describing the event as deeply regrettable, Minister Tunji-Ojo emphasized the government’s core mandate. “It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” he stated. “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this.”
The minister also expressed his condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased, urging residents to remain calm and law-abiding as a transparent investigative process unfolds.
In swift compliance with the minister’s directive, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered a detailed probe. The suspended commandant has been directed to report immediately to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja to appear before a panel of inquiry. He will be joined by the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence, and Investigation of the Niger State Command to provide full context to the events.
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To ensure operational continuity, a new commandant has been deployed to take charge of the Niger State Command with immediate effect. The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, confirmed that the investigation will rigorously examine whether any personnel breached the law or established operational procedures during the arrests and subsequent detention.
The NSCDC has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting the fundamental rights and safety of individuals in its custody. While the corps maintains that operations against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets will continue, it stressed that such activities must strictly adhere to the law and professional standards. The agency warned that any personnel found culpable of misconduct will face severe administrative, disciplinary, or criminal sanctions in line with existing regulations.
As the probe commences, the incident serves as a stark reminder that the rule of law must govern those tasked with enforcing it, ensuring that the fight against crime never comes at the expense of human life.
Promise Idoko is Junior Reporter working with moderncrux He covers global politics and international affairs. Based in Nigeria,
