NSCDC Commandant General Suspends Niger State Commandant, Team Over Tragic Incident
September 18, 2026 | Abuja
By Spotlight African Reporters
The Niger State Government has constituted a Committee of Inquiry to determine the root cause of the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, speaking at a press conference, said the investigation is aimed at establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensuring that the appropriate action is taken based on the findings.
The committee will be chaired by the Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, while the Commissioner for Homeland Security, Maurice Magaji, will serve as Secretary.
Governor Bago disclosed that other security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and the NSCDC, have also constituted separate committees to investigate the incident.
Forensic Audit, Autopsy Ordered
According to the governor, forensic examinations and autopsies will be conducted to establish the exact causes of death.
He said the findings would guide the government in determining the necessary steps to be taken.
Meanwhile, the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and members of his team to allow for an unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Governor Bago described the incident as tragic and unfortunate, while expressing condolences to the families of the deceased.
He assured the affected families that the state government would pursue the matter and seek to establish what happened.
“Our government values the lives of its citizens and will not tolerate any form of injustice,” the governor said, stressing that the investigation would be pursued to its logical conclusion.
Families of Victims to Be Registered
The governor also disclosed that the state government has begun compiling a register of the families of those who died in order to properly engage and commiserate with them.
He appealed to the families and residents to remain patient while the investigations continue.
Mining Site Shut Down
Governor Bago further announced the closure of all illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi mining site.
He warned that anyone who violates the order would face prosecution.
The governor added that experts from Abuja would be invited to conduct technical analysis of the mining site as part of efforts to establish what may have contributed to the incident.
Governor Appeals for Calm
The governor appealed to residents, particularly youths, to remain calm and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, urging them to allow the relevant authorities to complete their investigations.
The multiple investigations are expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.
From Spotlight African Reporters
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