Rights groups have demanded answers as the corps’ own account, a suspected disease outbreak, draws scrutiny alongside a federal investigation.

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.

The government has also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. The matter remains under active investigation.

The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC in parts of Niger State on 15 and 16 September 2026.

In a statement issued on Friday by Alao Babatunde, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the government said Aniviye, who was in charge of the command when the incident occurred, would remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

What the minister said

“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. “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives and we have worked to stay true to this.”

Tunji-Ojo urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation, and commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.

The suspension itself does not establish responsibility for the deaths or determine their cause; it removes Aniviye from his position pending the investigation’s outcome.

Reports on the exact number of deaths have varied slightly, with some early accounts citing “over 30” or “no fewer than 33,” before the figure was confirmed at 37.

Viewers Discretion | Photo from Business Day

NSCDC’s own account of what happened

Before his suspension, Aniviye had said “scores” of detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of 17 September, following what he described as a suspected outbreak of disease.

He said the Niger command conducted a “burst operation” on 15 and 16 September as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activity in the state, resulting in the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.

“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” he said.

He added that the corpses had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death, and that the corps was working in synergy with other security agencies. He appealed to the public and families of the deceased to remain calm.

NSCDC constitutes its own investigative panel

Separately, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar directed the constitution of a “high-powered” investigative team to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

NSCDC National Public Relations Officer Babawale Afolabi said the team, led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, has been mandated to examine the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident,” Afolabi said.

Afolabi added that the Commandant-General ordered Aniviye to step aside with immediate effect and report to NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

Public and civil society reaction

The deaths have drawn sharp reaction from civil society and human rights figures. Rights activist Deji Adeyanju described the incident as a “crime against humanity,” while Amnesty International Nigeria has separately called for a thorough and independent probe into how dozens of detainees died while in the custody of a federal security agency.

The NSCDC has reiterated its commitment to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody, saying its enforcement mandate, including action against illegal mining, would continue to be carried out in accordance with the law and established professional standards.