Niger NSCDC Commandant Suspended Over Deaths

The Niger NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. The development follows growing concerns over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred at an NSCDC detention facility in Minna. Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directed the NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, to ensure a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.

Niger NSCDC Commandant Suspended

The Niger NSCDC commandant was suspended following the minister’s directive. NSCDC also ordered Suberu Siyaka Aniviye to step aside pending the investigation. Officials arrested the suspected miners during operations against illegal mining in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16. Officials discovered the deaths in the early hours of September 17 around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna. The NSCDC had earlier said the deaths followed a suspected disease outbreak. However, the agency stressed that the actual cause of death remained unclear. It later constituted an investigative team to examine the incident. The team will look into the suspects’ condition upon arrest, detention conditions and medical attention provided.

Investigation to Establish Cause of Death

The Niger State Government has also constituted a committee of inquiry. It ordered forensic examinations and autopsies to determine the cause of the deaths. Governor Umar Bago confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody. Tunji-Ojo commiserated with the families of the deceased and called for calm as investigations continue. The investigation will also examine the circumstances surrounding the miners’ detention and the events leading to their deaths. Authorities will use the findings to determine whether they need to take any official or institutional action. The Federal Government said the probe will establish what happened to the detainees. It also aims to ensure a transparent process following the deaths.