The Federal Government has suspended Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in custody.

The government also ordered a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which occurred at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna.

The suspects were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in parts of the state on September 15 and 16.

According to Alao Babatunde, special adviser on media and publicity to Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the commandant will remain suspended pending the outcome of the investigation.

Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate and said the government’s priority was the protection of lives.

He urged the public to remain calm and law-abiding while the investigation is conducted, and commiserated with Niger State Governor Umaru Bago and the families of the deceased.

The NSCDC had earlier attributed the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.

Aniviye said scores of detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of September 17, after the enforcement operation led to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.

He said the corpses had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.

Meanwhile, NSCDC Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar has constituted a high-powered investigative team to establish what happened.

The panel, led by the deputy commandant-general in charge of intelligence and investigation, is expected to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions, medical attention provided and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.