The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo also directed the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.
The detainees were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on September 15 and 16.
Reports have put the number of deaths at between 33 and 40, although the NSCDC has not released a definitive figure. The exact cause of death has also not been established.
The development has triggered concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths, particularly the condition of the detainees while they were in custody.
The NSCDC had earlier constituted an investigative team led by its Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation. The panel is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
The Corps has cautioned against speculation about the cause of the deaths, saying reports linking the incident to a specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
Following the Interior Minister’s directive, the Niger State Commandant has been ordered to step aside and report to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja. The heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation in the state command have also been directed to appear before the inquiry panel.
The NSCDC said another commandant would take charge of the Niger State command to ensure that security operations continue without disruption while the investigation proceeds.
The Interior Minister expressed condolences to the families of those who died and called for calm as the authorities work to establish what happened.
The government has said the investigation will determine whether any personnel breached the law, operational procedures or professional standards in handling the detainees.
The outcome of the inquiry is expected to provide clearer answers on the circumstances that led to the deaths and whether failures in detention, medical care or other procedures contributed to the incident.
The case has also brought renewed attention to the challenges surrounding illegal mining in Niger State and the responsibilities of security agencies when suspects are placed in custody.
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