Niger probes miners’ custody deaths as NSCDC commandant steps aside

A new investigation has been opened into the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, with the state commandant, Suberu Aniviye, directed to step aside while the inquiry proceeds.

The move follows the custody-death incident earlier reported by NaijaTrend here. The miners had been arrested during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axis on September 15 and 16.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo ordered a full investigation, while NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Audi directed the Niger commandant and some senior officers to report to the national headquarters for the panel of inquiry.

Niger State also set up its own committee, chaired by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, with Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji as secretary. Premium Times reported that the state government ordered autopsies and forensic examinations to establish the cause of death.

The reported death toll differs across the latest reports. Punch said earlier reports put the figure at no fewer than 33, while Premium Times reported 37. The official investigations are expected to clarify the number and the cause of death.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago also ordered the closure of illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi site and said families of the deceased would be engaged during the investigation.

Sources: Punch, Premium Times, Channels TV