Suberu Aniviye says the deaths in Niger State custody were avoidable as an inquiry examines the arrests, detention conditions and possible lapses by officers.
The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, has apologised to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the agency’s custody, describing the incident as a costly mistake that could have been avoided.
Aniviye tendered the apology while testifying before a commission of inquiry investigating the deaths in Minna, the state capital, according to reports by the Nigerian Television Authority and other media outlets.
He appealed to the bereaved families for forgiveness and expressed regret that the deaths occurred during his tenure.
The inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred in September after the suspects were arrested during anti-illegal mining operations.
How the 37 miners died in NSCDC custody
Aniviye told the panel that the operation followed complaints from residents around the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate about mining activities in their community.
He said he visited the site on 15 September before directing the deployment of mining marshals, who arrested the suspected illegal miners the following evening.
According to his testimony, he learnt of the deaths through a telephone call on 17 September. He returned to the command headquarters, where he said he found the bodies lying on the floor of the detention cell.
Aniviye said he informed Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who directed that the bodies be taken to a mortuary. He added that he contacted the state Commissioner of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services.
The suspended commandant also told the panel that arrangements had been made to arraign the suspects in court on 17 September, before the deaths occurred.
The cause and circumstances of the deaths remain central to the investigation. Initial explanations from the NSCDC referred to a suspected disease outbreak, but the inquiry is expected to establish what happened to the detainees.
Legal officer’s testimony raises further questions
The inquiry has also heard testimony from Stephen Tsado, the command’s legal officer, and Maryam Etang, a nurse attached to its medical unit.
In earlier proceedings, Tsado reportedly told the commission that he advised Aniviye to release underage suspects to their parents on bail after noticing that some of those arrested were minors. He said he could not explain why his advice was not implemented.
Etang, meanwhile, reportedly said she visited the detention cell during her routine duties on 16 and 17 September. Her evidence, alongside that of other personnel, forms part of the inquiry into the handling of the detainees before their deaths.
After the latest sitting, the panel, chaired by Justice Mohammed Mohammed, visited the Minna General Hospital mortuary where the bodies were kept. The chairman said three bodies remained unclaimed at the time of the visit, according to reports of the proceedings.
The testimonies raise questions about the handling of the arrests, the treatment of detainees and whether established procedures were followed. The panel has yet to issue its final findings, and responsibility for the deaths has not been conclusively determined.
Government orders investigation, announces support for families
The Federal Government suspended Aniviye and other officers linked to the incident and constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the deaths following a directive from President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued on 19 September, the Ministry of Interior said the committee was expected to establish the identities of the deceased, investigate the arrests and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of the deaths, and identify any negligence or misconduct.
The deaths also prompted public concern and demands for accountability. On 5 October, Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited Minna and announced a federal government donation of ₦250 million to support the victims’ families.
Aniviye’s apology is a significant development in the inquiry, but it does not settle the questions surrounding the tragedy. The families and the public are still awaiting a clear account of how 37 people died while in the custody of a government security agency.
The commission’s findings will be crucial in determining whether operational failures, detention conditions or misconduct contributed to the deaths, and what action should follow.
