The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to step aside pending an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the Corps’ custody.

The suspected miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026. The deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.

Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and directed that a full-scale investigation be conducted to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He also urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is ongoing, assuring that the process would be transparent. The minister expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.

Following the directive, the NSCDC Commandant General, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered Aniviye to report immediately to the Corps’ national headquarters in Abuja to appear before a panel of inquiry.

The state commandant is expected to appear before the panel alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation of the Niger State Command.

The NSCDC also deployed a new commandant to take charge of the Niger State Command with immediate effect.

According to the Corps, the investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any personnel breached the law, established operational procedures or professional standards.

The NSCDC said personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with existing laws and regulations.

The Corps also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody, while maintaining that its operations against illegal mining and other statutory responsibilities would continue within the law.