Niger State Miners’ Deaths: Suspended NSCDC Commandant Admits ‘Costly Mistake’, Apologises To Bereaved Families
Aniviye said the deaths could have been avoided and apologized to bereaved families as the inquiry examines possible lapses in detention and operations.
- On Thursday, suspended Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye apologized before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission to families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in custody, describing the incident as "a costly mistake."
- Mining Marshals deployed on September 16, 2026, following community complaints about mining activities disrupting the M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna; Aniviye had visited the site the previous day before ordering the operation.
- Assistant Commandant of Corps Stephen Tsado testified he advised Aniviye to release minors to their parents on bail, but the recommendation was ignored. Nurse Maryam Etang found Emeka Emmanuel's body, though he was not among the arrested miners.
- Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo suspended 20 NSCDC officers in connection with the deaths, while the federal government ordered a transparent investigation that previously triggered protests and a curfew in Minna.
- The Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission is establishing circumstances surrounding the deaths, with findings expected to determine officer responsibility; however, a discrepancy persists between 37 reported fatalities and 33 bodies delivered to Minna General Hospital.
18 Articles
18 Articles
Nigeria: I Heard Miners Screaming Before They Died - Detention Facility Head
The officer in charge of the detention facility of the Niger State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Assistant Superintendent of Corps (ASC) Usman Isah Ndamaka, has admitted hearing detained miners screaming before their deaths but said he did not open their cell because he feared they would overpower him.
Niger miners’ deaths: Suspended NSCDC Commandant apologises; lawyer says advice on minors was ignored
The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has admitted that the deaths of suspected illegal miners in custody could have been avoided, apologising to their families and the Niger State Government. Aniviye tendered the apology on Thursday while testifying before the Justice Mohammed Mohammed Commission […] Niger miners’ deaths: Suspended NSCDC Commandant apologises; lawyer …
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