President Bola Tinubu on Friday, September 18, ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger state.
The president gave the directive in a statement by his special adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following the deaths of the detainees in Minna.
Tinubu said no Nigerian should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The deaths followed enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna on Tuesday, September 15 and Wednesday, September 16.
The president described the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He, however, said the government would continue to enforce laws against illegal mining while ensuring that enforcement operations were conducted within the law and with respect for the rights of people in custody.
Tinubu said the status of the deceased as suspected illegal miners did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
He directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or other actions should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The president also ordered that the investigation should cover the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the treatment of the detainees while in custody.
The probe is expected to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, the conditions of their detention, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events that led to their deaths.
Tinubu said the recent suspension of officials involved in the matter should not substitute for determining criminal responsibility where the evidence supports prosecution.
“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility,” he said.
He directed the ministry of interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate with all investigative authorities and ensure that no official interfered with the process.
The NSCDC had earlier constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and said the remains of the deceased were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
The Niger state government has also constituted a committee of inquiry into the deaths and ordered further investigations to establish their cause.
The federal government had meanwhile suspended the Niger state NSCDC commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tinubu condoled with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities.
He assured them that the government would establish the facts and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law,” Tinubu said.
The incident has also triggered further official and public responses, with authorities in Niger state taking additional measures amid tension over the deaths.
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