Committee Calls for Dismissal of NSCDC Officials in Niger

An independent ministerial committee investigating the deaths of miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State has recommended the dismissal of State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye and other personnel found culpable. The committee, led by Jonathan Kure, presented its findings to Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in Abuja.

The report accused NSCDC officials of misconduct, including unlawful detention, poor supervision, and attempts to alter the detention facility prior to an independent forensic examination. Specific allegations against officials included overcrowding, failure to respond to distress signals, and issuing false statements regarding the cause of deaths.

The committee called for the prosecution of those responsible for offenses such as murder and criminal negligence, as well as administrative sanctions for others whose actions contributed to the incident. Institutional reforms within the NSCDC were also recommended to enhance operational effectiveness.