The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Anibiye, following the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in custody.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension and directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.

The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations conducted across parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and determine the appropriate next steps.

The minister said the commandant would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and stressed that the government’s priority remained the protection of lives and security.

He called on members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted. The minister also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of the deceased.

FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Deaths of 33 Suspected Illegal Miners.The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Anibiye, following the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners in custody.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension and directed a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.

The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations conducted across parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.The investigation is expected to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and determine the appropriate next steps.

The minister said the commandant would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and stressed that the government’s priority remained the protection of lives and security.

He called on members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted. The minister also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of the deceased.