The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has suspended the Commander of the NSCDC in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, over the deaths of persons suspected to be illegal miners.
The incident was said to have occurred in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna, the state capital, after the arrest of the persons during an enforcement operation between 15 and 16 September 2026.
The Minister also ordered a full investigation to determine the cause of death. Reports say at least 33 people died at the hands of the agency, while the NSCDC has not confirmed the number.
Earlier, the NSCDC set up an investigative committee to look into the condition of those arrested, the length of time they were held in custody, the condition of the detention facility, and the medical care given to them.
The agency also warned that no conclusions should be drawn about the cause of death until the medical and laboratory investigations are completed.