The suspended Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, Siaka Suberu Aniviye, has reportedly apologised to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the corps’ custody.

According to a security source, Aniviye tendered the apology while testifying before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry established by the Niger State Government to investigate the deaths.

The commission, sitting in Minna, heard his testimony during its second sitting as it continued its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees.

Makama reported that Aniviye admitted that the incident could have been avoided, described it as a costly mistake and appealed to the bereaved families for forgiveness.

The reported apology came as the commission sought to establish the circumstances that led to the deaths and determine whether any lapses occurred in the handling and custody of the detainees.

The NSCDC State Legal Officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Stephen Tsado, and the corps’ Command Nurse, Maryam Etang, also testified before the commission.

As part of its investigation, the commission, led by its chairman, Justice Mohammed Mohammed, visited the mortuary at Minna General Hospital, where the bodies of the deceased were kept.

The commission was informed that three of the bodies remained unclaimed.

The inquiry is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any individuals or institutions bear responsibility.

Its findings are expected to provide answers to the bereaved families and clarify whether any wrongdoing occurred, with appropriate action to follow in accordance with the law.