The Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) is set for a leadership change following the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Corps.

The development followed an order by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, directing the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, to step aside pending an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The suspected miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

The deaths allegedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.

Tunji-Ojo, who described the incident as unfortunate, said a comprehensive investigation would be conducted while the commandant remained suspended.

“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”

The minister added that “we run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this.”

He called on residents to remain calm and law-abiding as the investigation progresses, assuring that the process would be transparent.

Tunji-Ojo also expressed condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and relatives of the deceased.

Meanwhile, the NSCDC has commenced steps to implement the minister’s directive, with the Commandant General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordering a detailed investigation into the incident.

The Corps’ National Public Relations Officer, ACC Babawale Afolabi, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday.

Afolabi said the Niger State commandant had been directed to report immediately to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, where he would appear before a panel of inquiry.

He is to appear before the panel alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation of the Niger State Command.

The Corps has also deployed a new commandant to take charge of the Niger State Command with immediate effect.

According to the NSCDC, the investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any personnel breached the law or established operational procedures.

The Corps said officers or personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in line with existing laws and regulations.

The NSCDC further reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody.

It maintained that operations against illegal mining and the protection of critical national assets would continue, but stressed that such activities must be conducted within the law and established professional standards.