The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has ordered a full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command.

The directive, contained in a press statement issued on September 18, 2026, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to accountability and the protection of human life, while raising concerns over detention protocols, oversight and the conduct of enforcement operations.

In immediate compliance with the minister’s directive, the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Prof Ahmed Abubakar Audi, OFR, mni, ordered the Niger State Commandant to step aside with immediate effect.

The Commandant is to report forthwith to the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja, alongside the Heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation, to appear before the constituted panel of inquiry.

The development represents a significant step towards institutional accountability, as senior officers linked to the operational chain that led to the arrests and subsequent deaths are now subject to investigation.

Similarly, the Commandant General has directed a new Commandant to proceed to Niger State and assume immediate command of the state command.

The move is aimed at ensuring continuity of operations while preserving the integrity of the investigation and preventing any possible interference with evidence or witnesses.

The Commandant General assured the Minister of Interior that no stone would be left unturned in the investigation.

He said any officer or personnel found to have acted contrary to the law, established procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative or disciplinary action and, where applicable, criminal sanctions in accordance with extant laws and regulations.

The NSCDC also reaffirmed its commitment to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody.

The corps said it would continue to enforce its statutory mandate, including the fight against illegal mining and the protection of Nigeria’s critical national assets, in accordance with the law and established professional standards.

The panel of inquiry is expected to commence its proceedings immediately, with the Niger State Commandant and the identified heads of departments appearing before it at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Abuja.

The findings of the panel, alongside the outcome of ongoing medical examinations at the General Hospital, Minna, are expected to determine the next course of action, whether administrative, disciplinary or criminal.

The general public has been urged to remain calm and allow the investigative processes to run their course.