By Kwin Israel, The Sight News
The Federal Government has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of suspected illegal miners during a security operation in the state.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, gave the directive after reports emerged that the miners died in the early hours of Thursday, days after their arrest during enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The operations targeted illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Interior on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister described the incident as unfortunate and announced that a full investigation would be carried out while the affected commandant remains suspended pending its outcome.
“It is an unfortunate incident. However, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said, adding that the government’s top priority remains the security of lives.
He called on members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation, and extended his condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families of those who died.
