The Niger state Police command has sealed the new Niger state headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to investigate the deaths of artisanal miners that occurred at the facility on September 17, 2026. This action was taken in compliance with the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu. The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in a statement.
The Commissioner of Police, Niger State Command CP Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has directed the deployment of Operation Flush patrol teams to secure and cordon off the scene, while the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Minna, commenced preliminary forensic investigations. The goal is to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The state Commissioner of Police assured the families and relatives of the deceased that the investigation is being conducted diligently and professionally.
The Niger state Police command has appealed for calm, patience, cooperation, and continued adherence to the law as the investigation progresses. Any relevant findings arising from the inquiry will be handled in accordance with extant laws and due process. Meanwhile, Commandant Abdullahi Salisu Kabara has been deployed to Niger state to take over the leadership of NSCDC from the suspended Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
The newly redeployed state Commandant NSCDC, Kabara, has formally assumed duty and taken over the leadership of the command. He expressed deep sadness over the loss of lives and extended his heartfelt sympathy to the families of the deceased and everyone affected by the unfortunate incident. In his maiden address in Niger, the new commandant assured that justice and fairness would be seen to have been done as relevant authorities commenced investigations into the incident.
Commandant Kabara emphasized that every human life matters, and the loss of any human life is painful. He insisted that the responsibility of protecting society and enforcing the law must go hand in hand with the responsibility to uphold the dignity, safety, and welfare of persons in custody. The new commandant's assumption of office comes at a particularly sensitive period for the Command, following the unfortunate deaths of some persons arrested in connection with suspected illegal mining activities in the State.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo, has suspended the Niger state Commandant of NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and 20 other officers of the command to allow for thorough and independent investigations. The affected officers are facing the NSCDC in-house disciplinary procedures and will be invited by police investigators to ascertain their roles, actions, and inactions in events leading to the incident.
A total of 21 officers, including the former NSCDC boss, have been suspended and may face arrest and prosecution if found culpable. The list of affected officers includes various personnel who were involved in the incident, such as the O/C Station Guard, Arresting Officers, and Day/Night Duty Officers. The police have commenced full-scale investigations, including taking statements and other investigative processes.
Key points
- The Niger state Police command has sealed the NSCDC headquarters to investigate the deaths of artisanal miners.
- New NSCDC Commandant Kabara assumes duty, assures of justice and fairness.
- 21 NSCDC officers, including the former commandant, suspended over miners' deaths.
