Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has suspended a commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and ordered an investigation following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody in Niger State.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered the immediate suspension of Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye following the deaths of the suspects, who were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Minna between Tuesday and Wednesday.
The minister said the suspension was necessary to ensure transparency and accountability as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as deeply regrettable and said a full investigation would be conducted.
“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 the security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this,” Tunji-Ojo said.
The minister called on citizens to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
He also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Umar Bago and the families of those who died.
The deaths occurred after security personnel arrested the suspects during operations targeting illegal mining activities in the Wushishi-Lukoto area.
The circumstances surrounding the deaths have not been fully established, with the Federal Government’s investigation expected to determine what happened while the suspects were in custody.
The suspension of the commandant and the investigation form part of the government’s immediate response to the incident.
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Korede Abdullah 