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 in Minna, the state capital.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also ordered a full investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis of Minna.
The suspected illegal miners were said to have been arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The Minister described the incident as unfortunate, stressing that a thorough investigation would be conducted while the state commandant remains suspended.
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He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting lives and maintaining security across the country.
The Minister has also called for calm, urging members of the public to remain law-abiding and allow the investigation to proceed transparently.
He expressed his condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the families and relatives of the deceased.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
