In the wake of a tragic outcome following a security crackdown in Niger State, the Minister of Interior, Hon. 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 directive comes after several suspected illegal miners allegedly lost their lives following enforcement operations carried out by the command around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis in Minna, the state capital.

 

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### What Happened?

 

The enforcement drive, conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026, targeted illegal mining operations in parts of the state. However, the operation took a fatal turn in the early hours of Thursday, resulting in reported casualties among the detained suspects.

 

In a formal statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the Interior Minister confirmed the suspension of Commandant Aniviye and announced a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

 

> *"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,"* Tunji-Ojo declared.

 

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### Key Takeaways

 

* **Immediate Suspension:** NSCDC Niger State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye has been relieved of his duties pending the outcome of the probe.

* **Full Investigation Launched:** A formal inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of death and establish accountability.

* **Call for Calm:** The Minister urged residents of Minna and the general public to stay calm, law-abiding, and allow investigators to carry out a transparent process.

* **Government Condolences:** Tunji-Ojo extended his sympathies to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the bereaved families of the victims.