By Charles Olewezi

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 reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.

The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, after reports emerged of the deaths of some suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on Sept. 15 and 16.

The Ministry of Interior, in a statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, said the Federal Government had ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“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.

Tunji-Ojo stressed that the government’s ultimate priority was the protection of lives, adding that authorities would ensure that the circumstances surrounding the incident were properly investigated.

He urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation process.

The Minister also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died in the incident.

The development comes amid heightened enforcement against illegal mining activities in Niger State, with authorities expected to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths of the arrested suspects and determine whether any officials or other persons bear responsibility.