The Federal Government has suspended the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners while in the agency’s custody.
The suspension, ordered by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, came as authorities launched investigations into the circumstances surrounding the deaths at a detention facility around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, Niger State.
According to Saturday Sun, the deceased were among suspects arrested by NSCDC operatives during enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16 as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.
The development has raised serious questions about the conditions under which the suspects were detained, the medical attention available to them and what happened between their arrest and their deaths.
Minister Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said the government would establish the facts surrounding the deaths.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended,” the minister said.
He said that the protection of human lives remained a priority of the government and appealed to the public to remain calm while the investigation continues.
The minister also expressed condolences to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the families and relatives of the deceased.
Suspected Disease Outbreak
Before his suspension, Aniviye had disclosed that several detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17.
He attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak and said the victims were among those arrested during the anti-illegal mining operations.
He disclosed that the NSCDC arrested suspected illegal miners and recovered exhibits during operations on September 15 and 16.
He said the dead detainees were subsequently taken to the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
NSCDC Opens Investigation
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Ahmed Abubakar, has also ordered an internal investigation into the incident.
The investigative panel, headed by the Deputy Commandant-General responsible for intelligence and investigation, is expected to examine the circumstances leading to the deaths.
NSCDC spokesman Babawale Afolabi said investigators would examine the physical condition of the detainees when they were arrested, how long they remained in custody, the conditions of detention and the medical care provided to them.
The investigation is therefore expected to determine whether the deaths were solely linked to the reported disease outbreak or whether other factors may have contributed.
For now, the Federal Government has moved to establish the facts, with the suspension of the state commandant serving as an immediate administrative response pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tags: #NSCDC #NigerState #37Detainees
