Niger Miners’ Deaths: Suspended NSCDC commandant apologises to families

The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, has apologised to the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the agency’s custody in Minna, the state capital.

According to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Mr Aniviye tendered the apology while testifying before a panel of inquiry investigating the deaths.

He appealed to the bereaved families for forgiveness, describing the incident as a costly mistake that could have been avoided.

The testimony came during the second sitting of the panel, chaired by a judge, Mohammed Mohammed, as the inquiry tries to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the arrests and the handling of the suspects in detention.

How the miners were arrested

Mr Aniviye told the panel that the operation followed complaints from residents around M.I. Wushishi Housing Estate about mining activities in their communities.

He said he visited the site on 15 September before deploying mining marshals, who arrested the suspected illegal miners the following evening, 16 September.

The suspended commandant said he learnt of the deaths through a telephone call on 17 September. He said he returned to the command’s office and found the bodies lying on the floor of the detention cell.

According to him, he informed Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, who directed that the bodies be taken to a mortuary.

Mr Aniviye also said he contacted the state Commissioner of Police and the Director of the State Security Service (SSS) after learning of the incident.

He told the panel that the suspects had been scheduled to appear in court on 17 September before their deaths.

The cause of the deaths has not been conclusively established in the information made available about the proceedings.

Other NSCDC officials testify

Two other NSCDC personnel also testified before the panel: Stephen Tsado, the state command’s legal officer, and Maryam Etang, a nurse attached to its medical unit.

Their testimonies form part of the inquiry into the events surrounding the arrests, detention and deaths of the 37 suspects.

After the sitting, Mr Mohammed led other panel members to the mortuary at Minna General Hospital, where the bodies were kept.

The judge said three of the bodies remained unclaimed as of Thursday, highlighting the continuing challenge of identifying and securing proper arrangements for all the deceased.

Government ordered investigation

The deaths followed enforcement operations conducted around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on 15 and 16 September.

Initial reports said 33 suspects had died, but the Niger State Government subsequently confirmed that the death toll was 37.

The incident prompted public concern and calls for accountability, with the circumstances of the deaths and the treatment of the suspects in custody becoming central issues in the investigation.

The federal government suspended Mr Aniviye and ordered an investigation.

It also constituted a 10-member independent committee to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, determine responsibility where applicable and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.

The committee, chaired by Jonathan Kure, a retired Deputy Director-General of the Department of State Services, began its sittings in September.

Its work included visits to relevant sites, interviews with survivors and bereaved families, and the collection of statements and other evidence.

On 7 October, Mr Kure said the committee had identified issues requiring further scrutiny, including possible institutional breakdown, overzealousness and inadequate training of personnel.

He said the panel had requested an extension until 21 October to review evidence and obtain outstanding forensic and pathology reports.

The committee had earlier said its medical team was working to determine the cause, mechanism and manner of the deaths. Its final findings are expected to clarify the circumstances of the incident and establish whether any officers or other persons should be held responsible.

READ ALSO: Minna’s Cell of Death: Survivors recount how 37 mining suspects died in NSCDC custody

N250 million donation

On 5 October, Vice-President Kashim Shettima visited Minna and announced a federal government donation of N250 million to support the families of the deceased.

The donation followed other relief measures announced in the aftermath of the incident, as the state and federal governments faced pressure to provide support to the affected families and ensure a credible investigation.

The deaths have also raised broader concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody, the use of force during enforcement operations and accountability within security agencies.

The inquiry is expected to determine how the 37 suspects died and whether failures in operational procedures, detention arrangements or personnel conduct contributed to the tragedy.