FG Suspends Niger NSCDC Commandant Over Miners’ Deaths

The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the agency’s custody.

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

The miners were arrested in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto between September 15 and 16 during anti-illegal mining operations.

Reports said at least 33 detainees died after being held at an NSCDC facility in Minna, the Niger State capital. The NSCDC has not officially confirmed a specific death toll.

The deaths were discovered early Thursday, raising concerns over their circumstances.

The Niger State Command initially linked the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak. However, the NSCDC national headquarters later cautioned against attributing the fatalities to any particular illness, saying the cause remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.

Tunji-Ojo said the incident was unfortunate and that a comprehensive investigation would be conducted while the commandant remained suspended.

Tunji-Ojo urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding during the investigation.

The NSCDC had earlier constituted a high-powered investigative team led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. The team was directed to establish what happened and determine factors that may have contributed to the deaths.

Its terms of reference include examining the condition of the suspects when arrested, the period they spent in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the incident.

The corps also directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody should be given priority while measures are taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with affected detainees.

The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for examination.

The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of detainees in custody.

Authorities are expected to await the outcome of the investigation and medical examinations before determining the exact cause of death and whether any officials should face further disciplinary or legal action.

The government said the investigation would establish the facts and ultimately guide appropriate government action and accountability where necessary.