Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo
The Federal Government has ordered a full investigation into the death of suspected illegal miners in Niger State, while suspending the state commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
The Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the suspension following the reported deaths of the suspected illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the Niger State capital.
The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday after the suspects were arrested during enforcement operations carried out by the NSCDC in parts of the state on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The Minister said the suspension was necessary to allow for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure accountability.
“It is an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said in a statement issued by his media aide, Aloa Babatunde.
He added that the government remained committed to protecting the lives of Nigerians and ensuring that security agencies operate within the law.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this,” the Minister declared.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to tackle illegal mining activities across the country due to concerns over insecurity, environmental damage and the loss of government revenue linked to unregulated mining operations.
Illegal mining has also been identified as one of the challenges affecting Nigeria’s natural resources sector, with security agencies regularly conducting operations to arrest suspects and disrupt illegal activities.
Tunji-Ojo appealed to residents of Niger State and members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding as authorities conduct investigations into the matter.
The Minister also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of those who lost their lives in the incident.
