Nigeria's interior minister suspends NSCDC commandant after deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger State

In Nigeria, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, after suspected illegal miners died in custody. The deaths occurred on September 17, 2026, in Minna, Niger State, following arrests during enforcement operations on September 15 and 16. Reports say at least 33 miners died. The minister ordered a full investigation, and both the NSCDC and the Niger State Police have launched probes. The public has been urged to remain calm while investigations proceed.