The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the probe of the death of 13 alleged illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger state capital.
The incident which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday followed the arrest of the suspected illegal miners by the personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
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“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister declared.
In a statement issued by the minister, special adviser on media and publicity, Alai Babatunde, the minister urged members of the public to maintain calm and remain law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation process.
He further commiserates with Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State and the families and relatives of the deceased.
