The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, has publicly apologized over the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody, describing the incident as a “costly mistake” that could have been avoided.
Aniviye delivered his unreserved apology to the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State while testifying in Minna before a Judicial Commission of Inquiry chaired by Justice Muhammad Muhammad.
​Aniviye, who assumed office as the state commandant on August 25, 2025, explained that the operation stemmed from urgent oral and written complaints by residents regarding illegal mining activities causing distress around the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate and Lukoto village in Minna.
​In response, the NSCDC Mining Marshal Unit executed a crackdown on the evening of September 16, 2026, arresting dozens of suspects and detaining them at the command headquarters. Although the detainees were scheduled for court arraignment the following morning, officials discovered multiple fatalities inside the crowded holding cells early on September 17.
​Following the discovery, Aniviye immediately alerted Niger State Governor Umaru Bago, who directed the transfer of the bodies to a hospital, as well as the Commissioner of Police and the State Director of the Department of State Services (DSS).
​The tragedy sparked immediate federal action. On September 18, 2026, the Federal Government suspended Commandant Aniviye and instituted an independent inquiry panel. Weeks later, on October 5, Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Minna to extend federal sympathies and announce a ₦250 million relief package for the bereaved families.
​Testimonies presented before the judicial panel revealed significant procedural failures prior to the tragedy. Suberu Aniviye (Suspended NSCDC Commandant), reiterate his regret before the panel, stating, “A mistake has been made, but a very costly one. My apology to the parents of the deceased and to the people and government of Niger State.”
Stephen Tsado (Suspended Head of Legal Unit), Testified that he had explicitly advised Aniviye prior to the deaths to grant administrative bail to the underage suspects and release them to their parents, but his legal counsel was ignored.
Maryam Etang (NSCDC Medical Nurse): Disclosed that during cell visits on September 16 and 17, she observed detainees coughing severely. She also testified to her shock at identifying the body of one Emeka Emmanuel among the deceased, noting he was not among the miners arrested during the September 16 raid.
​Justice Muhammad Muhammad’s commission continues its sittings in Minna to evaluate cell conditions, establish institutional liability, and recommend appropriate legal action.
