The Federal Government has suspended 20 officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), including the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspensions on Saturday, September 19, 2026, and constituted a 10-member independent investigative committee to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
The victims were arrested on Tuesday, September 15, and Wednesday, September 16, 2026, during joint anti-illegal mining raids conducted in the Wushishi-Lukoto area near Minna, the capital of Niger State. By the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 37 detainees were confirmed dead inside the cells of the NSCDC Niger State Command headquarters in Minna.
The news triggered widespread outrage and protests across Minna on Thursday night, prompting Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago to declare three days of mourning and a 24-hour curfew in the state capital to prevent further civil unrest.
Among those suspended pending the outcome of the probe are:- Suberu Siyaka Aniviye (Commandant, Niger State Command), DCC Philip Ajayi (Head of Department, Intelligence and Investigation) (HOD INT/INV).
CSC Oluwadare Sunday (Arresting Officer / Officer-in-Charge (O/C) Investigation), ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado (Officer-in-Charge (O/C) Legal), SC Usman Isah Ndamaka (O/C Station Guard).
DCC Obafemi Elvis and CSC Annas Shitto Lamino (Arresting Officers), ASCI Alhassan Mohammed (Day/Night Duty Officer) and 12 additional guard duty officers.
Initial statements from the NSCDC suggested a “suspected outbreak of disease,” but survivor accounts and preliminary intelligence reports indicate severe cell overcrowding, inadequate ventilation, and possible toxic chemical exposure.
During a press conference at the Government House in Minna, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago stated:
”We woke up to the sad news that 37 persons died in the custody of the Civil Defence. Forensic audits and autopsies are being conducted to establish the scientific cause of death, whether from cell suffocation or chemical poisoning from illegal mining activities.”
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Bologi Ibrahim, confirmed that the Niger State Government also inaugurated a state-level committee chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, with Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji serving as secretary.
Meanwhile, State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed that the Nigeria Police Force has launched a parallel homicide investigation into the detention facility.
The 10-member independent committee set up by Minister Tunji-Ojo is expected to examine cell conditions, interrogation protocols, medical response timelines, and command responsibility.
The Federal Government has assured the victims’ families and the public that any officer found guilty of negligence, abuse, or extrajudicial misconduct will face full prosecution under the law.
