Video: One Reportedly Killed As Riots Take Over Minna After 37 Youths Die Inside NSCDC Cell
One youth whose identity is yet to be non has reportedly lost his life during the demonstration that occured over the death of 37 ‘illegal’ miners inside the cell of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command on Thursday.
NAIJAONPOINT reports that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Suberu Aniviye, following the deaths of over 30 suspected illegal miners in the state.
The minister also ordered a full investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital, in the early hours of Thursday.
The suspension order was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde.
Update: One person reportedly killed as the demonstration escalates into a riot in Minna, over the death of 37 young boys in NSCDC custody. https://t.co/kwBer0Dmu9
— Trending Explained (@TrendingEx) September 18, 2026
According to the statement, the suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
“It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.
“We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this,” the minister declared.
Tunji-Ojo urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent investigation.
He also commiserated with the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the families and relatives of the deceased.
Reports had put the number of suspected illegal miners who died in custody at no fewer than 33, while the NSCDC did not give a specific figure.
The deaths had earlier prompted the NSCDC to constitute an investigative team to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
In a statement on Thursday, the NSCDC National Public Relations Officer, Babawale Afolabi, said the team, led by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation, was mandated to conduct a comprehensive inquiry.
The investigation was to cover the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided to them and other circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC had also cautioned against speculation over the cause of the deaths, saying reports attributing them to any specific disease remained subject to medical and laboratory confirmation
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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