…Orders full probe into incident
Following reported deaths of about 39 alleged illegal miners in the cell of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Federal Government on Friday, September 18, 2026, announced the immediate suspension of the State commandant of the Corps. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
It also ordered full investigation into the death of the suspected alleged illegal miners in Niger State.
Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who announced the decision of the government following the reported deaths of the suspected alleged illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital, said the suspension was necessary to allow for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.
The incident was reported to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, 2026, following the arrest of the suspects during enforcement operations carried out by the NSCDC in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
According to the Minister; “It is an unfortunate incident. However, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”
These were contained in a statement by Alao Babatunde, Special Assistant to the Minister on Media, stating that the government remained committed to protecting the lives of Nigerians and ensuring that security agencies operate within the law.
According to Tunji-Ojo; “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this”.
The Federal Government had recently intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining activities across the country due to concerns over insecurity, environmental damage and the loss of government revenue linked to unregulated mining operations.
Specifically, illegal mining has been identified as one of the challenges affecting Nigeria’s natural resources sector, with security agencies regularly conducting operations to arrest suspects and disrupt illegal activities.
The Interior Minister appealed to residents of Niger State and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities conduct investigations into the matter.
Tunji-Ojo particularly expressed condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the incident.
