The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners in Minna, the state capital.

The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also directed a full investigation into the incident.

The deaths reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, following the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister described the incident as unfortunate and said the commandant under whose watch it occurred would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”

Tunji-Ojo reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation continues.

He also commiserated with Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who died.