President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The President, reacting to the incident on Friday, said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
Tinubu directed relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
He further ordered that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“There must be accountability,” the President said.
The President also stressed that the suspension of officials must not be treated as a substitute for determining criminal responsibility where evidence supports prosecution.
His reaction came after 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody following enforcement operations around the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, has already been suspended by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who also ordered a full investigation.
Tinubu maintained that the Federal Government would continue its campaign against illegal mining and other criminal activities, but insisted that enforcement agencies must operate within the law.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another,” the President said, stressing that the sanctity of human life remains non-negotiable.
The cause of the deaths remains subject to investigation. Authorities have indicated that medical, forensic and autopsy examinations will be important in establishing what happened.
The President also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as investigations continue.
