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Interior Minister Suspends NSCDC Commandant After Custody Deaths

By Drooid · Sep 18, 2026, 10:48 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

NSCDC Reports Miner Deaths

NSCDC reported 37 suspected illegal miners died while in custody in Niger State.
Survivors and intelligence reports say overcrowding and poor ventilation caused suffocation, not disease.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew and three days of mourning.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended NSCDC commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye pending investigation.

Summary

Minister Tunji-Ojo Orders Probe

Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered a full-scale transparent investigation by NSCDC Director-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi.
African Democratic Congress demanded independent autopsies, victim identities, and compensation for families.
Governor Bago cancelled the All Progressives Congress rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna.
The state ordered suspension of all mining operations until further notice.
Minister of Information Mohammed Idris pledged an impartial inquiry and protection of Nigerians’ fundamental rights.

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NSCDC Reports Miner Deaths

NSCDC reported 37 suspected illegal miners died while in custody in Niger State.
Survivors and intelligence reports say overcrowding and poor ventilation caused suffocation, not disease.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew and three days of mourning.
Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended NSCDC commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye pending investigation.

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