The suspended Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Aniviye, has apologised to the families of detainees who died in the corps’ custody, describing the incident as a “costly mistake” that might have been avoided.
Aniviye tendered the apology while appearing before the Justice Muhammad Muhammad Commission of Inquiry in Minna, which is investigating the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the NSCDC in September 2026.
“A mistake has been made, but a very costly one. My apology to the parents of the deceased and to the people and government of Niger State,” he told the commission.
The inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths, the conduct of the mining enforcement operation and the treatment of suspects held in detention.
How the NSCDC Operation Began
Giving his account of the events leading to the incident, Aniviye said he assumed office as Niger State commandant on August 25, 2025, and served until September 18, 2026.
He explained that the operation followed complaints from residents around the M. I. Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, who alleged that mining activities were disrupting their community.
According to Aniviye, he visited the affected area on September 15, 2026, and directed the command’s Head of Operations, Assistant Commandant of Corps Joha Achagwa, to address the complaints.
The directive subsequently led to the deployment of the NSCDC Mining Marshal Unit, which arrested suspected illegal miners during an operation on the evening of September 16.
Aniviye told the commission that he learnt of the detainees’ deaths the following day through a telephone call.
He said he immediately proceeded to the command headquarters, where he found several bodies lying on the floor of a detention cell.
Aniviye Says Governor Bago Was Informed
The suspended commandant disclosed that he contacted Niger State Governor Umaru Bago after discovering the bodies.
According to his testimony, the governor directed that the bodies be taken to a hospital. Aniviye also said he notified the commissioner of police and the director of the Department of State Services about the incident.
He further told the commission that the suspects had been scheduled to appear in court on September 17, but the deaths occurred before the planned arraignment.
The circumstances surrounding the detainees’ deaths, including their treatment while in custody, remain central to the commission’s investigation.
NSCDC Legal Officer Recommended Bail for Minors
The inquiry also heard testimony from Assistant Commandant of Corps Stephen Tsado, the suspended head of the NSCDC legal unit.
Tsado, whose responsibilities included preparing case files, forwarding cases for prosecution and advising the commandant on legal matters, said he identified some of the detainees as minors.
He told the commission that he recommended releasing the minors to their parents on bail and personally appealed to Aniviye to consider the recommendation.
“I advised him to grant them bail to their parents,” Tsado said.
However, the legal officer said he did not know why his recommendation was not acted upon.
His testimony has raised further questions about the handling of the suspects, the consideration given to the presence of minors in custody and the decisions made before the deaths occurred.
Nurse Raises Questions Over Another Detainee’s Death
Maryam Etang, a nurse attached to the NSCDC medical unit, also testified before the commission about her visits to the detention facility on September 16 and 17 during her routine duties.
Etang recalled that one detainee was coughing severely on September 17, around the time the bodies were being removed from the cell.
She also expressed surprise at finding the body of a man identified as Emeka Emmanuel among the deceased.
According to her testimony, Emmanuel was not among those arrested during the mining operation.
Her account has raised questions about how Emmanuel came to be held at the facility and the circumstances surrounding his death.
The commission is expected to examine these issues alongside other evidence relating to the arrests, detention procedures and the handling of the suspects.
Commission Investigates Circumstances of Detainees’ Deaths
The Justice Muhammad Muhammad Commission of Inquiry is investigating the deaths of the suspected illegal miners, including the conduct of the NSCDC operation and the management of those held in custody.
The testimonies of Aniviye, Tsado and Etang have brought attention to several issues, including the discovery of the bodies, the proposed release of minors on bail, the reported coughing of a detainee and questions about the presence of Emeka Emmanuel in the detention facility.
Aniviye’s apology acknowledged the gravity of the incident, while the accounts presented by the other witnesses have highlighted questions that the inquiry must address.
The commission’s findings are expected to help establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether there were failures in the handling and supervision of detainees.
As the investigation continues, the families of the deceased and the public will be looking for answers about what happened inside the detention facility and whether the tragedy could have been prevented.