Niger APC Rally Cancelled, 3-Day Mourning Declared After 37 Die in NSCDC Custody
The Niger State Government has cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally scheduled for Saturday in Minna and declared a three-day mourning period following the deaths of 37 persons while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Governor Umaru Bago announced the decision through a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, expressing condolences to the families of the victims. The government stated that cancelling the political event was necessary out of respect for the deceased and their grieving relatives.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday following the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted across the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto axes of Minna between September 15 and 16, 2026.
In response, the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, under whose watch the incident occurred.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the Minister announced a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“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.”
Tunji-Ojo urged members of the public to remain calm and law-abiding to allow for a transparent inquiry, while extending sympathies to Governor Bago and the families affected by the tragedy.
