–Niger NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye suspended

By Michael Lim

Deaths of alleged illegal miners being held in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) detention facility in Minna, Niger State, by Thursday, September 18, 2026, are feared to have climbed to 37, according to reports.

Reports indicate that the young men arrested for suspected illegal mining near Borgu died while being detained.

But there are conflicting accounts between official explanations and reports: While the NSCDC claimed an apparent disease outbreak caused the deaths, intelligence report and survivor accounts pointed to severe overcrowding and poor ventilation leading to suffocation.

In his official response, the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, called the incident “sad and tragic,” as he declared three days of mourning, and postponed election campaign launches.

In reaction, the Niger state police chief ordered an immediate investigation and detention of the NSCDC command.

Bodies have been moved to the general hospital in Minna for examinations to determine the exact cause of death.

A relative, whose 17-year-old brother was among those who died, said the family had visited him during detention and questioned how a disease could have being his cause of death.

Meanwhile, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has been suspended from office by the minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, following the alleged deaths of suspected illegal miners in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna, the state capital.

A statement signed and released by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Publicity, Alao Babatunde, the suspension was issued on Thursday in Abuja.

The statement further showed that the incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Thursday, following the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations conducted in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.

According to the statement, Tunji-Ojo described the incident as unfortunate, declaring, “It is an unfortunate incident; however, a full-scale investigation will be conducted while the commandant under whose watch this happened remains suspended.”

The statement added: “We run a government whose ultimate priority is security of lives, and we have worked to stay true to this.”

–Says importing food over $3 billion in a year scary

By Seyi Balogun

Graduate farm workers earn a minimum wage of N500,000, working privately for Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State.

The governor said this while speaking in Lagos at the opening ceremony of FirstBank Agric & Export Expo 2026 in Lagos with the theme: “From farm to global markets: Building Nigeria’s Export Value Chain.”

Bago used the event to highlight the potential of agriculture, particularly livestock production, as a major source of employment and economic growth.

In his view, the wages paid on his farm are higher than what many government workers earn:

“In our farm, we pay a graduate minimum 500,000 monthly.

“How much does the government pay? FirstBank, how much do you pay?”

He said the disparity showed the potential of private agricultural enterprises to provide attractive employment opportunities.

“It means I can poach all FirstBank workers who earn less than my minimum wage, to my farm,” he added.

The governor highlighted farming potential, imploring more private investors to venture into agriculture.

“So, I want to encourage the private sector to do more,” he said.

Bago warned that Nigeria’s dependence on food imports was unsustainable while calling for a deliberate national policy to prioritise domestic production.

He canvassed for “food sovereignty” describing it as paramount while further expressing worry that Nigeria imported food worth more than $3 billion in the year, with the figure potentially reaching $4 billion before the end of the year. To this, he added: “It is scary.”

By Seyi Balogun

Nigeria’s newest telecoms operator, Lebara, has launched full commercial operations nationwide.

The company is entering a market dominated by MTN Nigeria, Airtel, Globacom, and 9mobile as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) using existing network infrastructure.

Lebara, went live nationwide, making its SIM cards available to the public through a network of retail outlets and registered agents across the country. The company confirmed the launch in a statement on Monday, September 14, 2026, saying Nigerians can now pick up a physical SIM card or activate an eSIM through participating retailers.

According to Teniola Stuffman, chief executive officer (CEO) of Lebara Nigeria, the go-live was a significant milestone for the company. In her words:

“We are excited to officially go live and make Lebara SIMs available to Nigerians. This is an important step for us as we begin to bring our services directly to customers.

“Our focus is on making connectivity simple and accessible while building digital experiences that give our customers more value.”

Lebara said it had already brought more than 1,000 retail agents into its distribution network before launch, with Slot stores among the outlets where customers can access its services from day one.

What Lebara is offering: The initial service bundle covers mobile voice, SMS and data, alongside features such as usage tracking, cloud storage, Buy Now Pay Later options for eligible devices and access to LebaraPlay, the company’s entertainment platform.

Nigerians interested in becoming distributors can register through Lebara’s website as the company works to deepen its reach.

How Lebara fits into Nigeria’s telecoms market: Lebara is entering as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO), meaning it delivers services to customers using infrastructure owned by existing network operators rather than building its own. This approach allows the company to compete on pricing, distribution and customer experience without the capital outlay that comes with constructing a full mobile network.

Nigerian operations are tied to VAS2Nets Telecommunications Limited, which holds a Tier 5 MVNO licence from the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC)., according to reports. For Lebars, that licence took effect in March 2024, and the brand-licensing agreement between Lebara and VAS2Nets was announced in May of the same year.

Lebara later unveiled its 0724 number series and held a soft launch in Lagos in February 2026 before rolling out nationwide.

The operator now competes in a sector with big players like MTN Nigeria, Airtel Africa’s Nigerian business, Globacom and 9mobile. MTN, Airtel.