The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the reported deaths of more than 30 suspected illegal miners in Minna.
The suspension was ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, after reports emerged that several suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC had died.
The incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Minna, Niger State.
The suspects were said to have been arrested during enforcement operations carried out across the state on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining.
In a statement issued on Friday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, Tunji-Ojo directed that a full investigation be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The minister said Aniviye would remain suspended throughout the investigation.
“It’s an unfortunate incident, however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He stressed that protecting human lives remained a major priority of the Federal Government and urged the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.
The exact number of deaths, identities of the deceased and circumstances surrounding the incident have not been fully disclosed by the government.
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Earlier reports indicated that no fewer than 33 suspected illegal miners were feared dead after being detained at an NSCDC facility in Minna. The deaths were reportedly discovered on Thursday following what was described as a suspected disease outbreak among the detainees.
The investigation is expected to examine events from the time of the arrests through the period of detention and the circumstances that led to the reported deaths.
Tunji-Ojo also commiserated with Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of those who died.
The government has yet to announce when the investigation will be completed or provide details of the officials and agencies that will conduct it.
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