The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
The decision follows reports of the death of 33 suspected illegal miners while in NSCDC custody in Minna, an incident that has drawn public concern.
In a statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the minister directed the Commandant General of the Corps, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, to carry out a transparent and unhindered investigation.
The incident was said to have occurred in the early hours of Thursday at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, after operations targeting illegal mining activities conducted on September 15 and 16.
Acting on the directive, Audi ordered Aniviye to step aside and report to the national headquarters in Abuja to face the panel of inquiry. Also summoned to Abuja are the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation in the state command.
A new commandant has been directed to take over leadership of the Niger State Command immediately to ensure continuity of operations during the period of investigation.
Tunji-Ojo said government remains committed to the protection of lives and security of citizens, describing the incident as unfortunate. He assured that the investigation will be thorough.
He appealed to residents to remain calm and law abiding, while commiserating with the Niger State Government led by Mohammed Umaru Bago and with families of those who lost their lives.
The NSCDC, on its part, said no stone will be left unturned in establishing the facts, stressing that any personnel found to have violated the law or professional standards will face appropriate sanctions in accordance with extant regulations.
