The Niger state Police command has sealed off the new Niger state headquarters of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to begin full investigations into the unfortunate deaths of artisanal miners in the facility on September 17, 2026.
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed this in a statement at the weekend, adding that the action was in compliance with the directives of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
He said, “Following this, 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 as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident”.
According to him, the state Commissioner of Police has therefore, assured the families and relatives of the deceased, as well as members of the public, that the investigation is being conducted diligently and professionally, with concerted efforts aimed at establishing all relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
He said, “The Command therefore appeals 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.
According to a statement at the weekend by DSC Abubakar M.R. Muti, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Niger state command, the newly redeployed state Commandant NSCDC has formally assumed duty and taken over the leadership of the command.
He said, “the 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. Commandant Kabara 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.
He said, “At a moment like this, beyond arrests, investigations, enforcement and the fight against illegal mining, we must remember one fundamental truth: every human life matters. The loss of any human life is painful, and our thoughts and prayers are with the families who are mourning at this difficult time”.
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,
Former NSCDC boss, 20 senior officers suspended, face arrest, prosecution if culpable
Meanwhile, the Niger state Commandant of NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and 20 other officers of the command have been suspended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji – Ojo to allow for thorough and independent investigations.
It was learnt that the affected officers are facing the NSCDC in-house disciplinary procedures and that police investigators will invite them to ascertain their roles, actions and inactions in events leading to the incident.
According to a source who pleaded anonymity, “as we all know, the police have commenced full scale investigations. This involves taking of statements and other investigative processes which include arrest of individuals and preservation of the scene of incident.
The list of the affected officers included the following officers
O/C Station Guard, SC Usman Isah Ndamaka.
Station Guard, ASCI Hassan Mohammed
Station Guard, CCA Bala Mohammed.
Arresting Officer/O/C Investigation, CSC Oluwadare Sunday
Arresting Officer, DCC Obafemi Elvis.
Arresting Officer, CSC Annas Shitto Lamino
HOD INT/INV, DCC Philip Ajayi
O/C Legal, ACC Barr. Stephen Tsado
Day/Night Duty Officer, ASCI Alhassan Mohammed
Guard Duty, IC Abdullahi Sale
Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Sonfada
Guard Duty, CAI Liman Abubakar
Guard Duty, CAI Bala Usman
Guard Duty, IC Mohammed Jiya
Guard Duty, DSC Isah Suleiman
Guard Duty, CAI Ahmed Wushishi
Guard Duty, IC Sale Adamu
Guard Duty, IC Haruna Mohammed
Guard Duty, ASCI Aliyu Sallah
Guard Duty, CAI Isah Sanusi