Suspended NSCDC Commandant Admits Costly Mistake in Niger Miners’ Deaths
Minna, Nigeria—October 17, 2026—The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, has admitted that the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the corps’ custody could have been prevented, describing the tragedy as a “costly mistake.”
Testifying before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry in Minna, Aniviye apologized to the parents of the deceased, the people of Niger State and the state government.
“A mistake has been made, but a very costly one. My apology to the parents of the deceased and to the people and government of Niger State,” he told the panel.
Legal Advice Ignored
Aniviye’s admission came as the command’s legal officer, Assistant Commandant of Corps Stephen Tsado, told the commission that he had advised the then-commandant to release minors arrested during the operation to their parents on bail. The advice, according to Tsado, was not followed.
The suspended commandant said he assumed duty in Niger State on August 25, 2025, and remained in office until September 18, 2026.
He explained that the operation followed complaints from residents of the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna about alleged illegal mining activities disrupting the community.
Aniviye stated that he visited the site on September 15 before directing operatives to act. The arrests took place on the evening of September 16.
The following day, he received a call that some detainees had died. Upon arriving at the command headquarters, he found several bodies lying on the floor of the cell.
He then contacted Governor Umaru Bago, who directed that the bodies be taken to a hospital.
Background of the Tragedy
The 37 men were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during NSCDC operations in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
Their deaths in custody on September 17 triggered widespread public outrage, the suspension of Aniviye and 20 other officers by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and the establishment of both federal and state investigative panels
The Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission continues its sittings as families of the deceased and the public await a full account of the circumstances that led to the loss of lives in official custody.
This report is based on proceedings of the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission of Inquiry and related official statements.
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