President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The President directed that any security official found to have played a role in the deaths through negligence, abuse or failure to perform his duties should be arrested and prosecuted.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said the incident required urgent action to establish what happened and ensure that those responsible were held accountable.
He stressed that every Nigerian was entitled to the protection of the state, adding that suspected criminals must not be subjected to abuse or inhumane treatment while in government custody.
The President said the Federal Government would not relent in its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities but insisted that security agencies must carry out their duties in accordance with the law.
He therefore directed investigators to examine the entire chain of events, including how the suspects were arrested, their condition at the time of arrest, the circumstances of their detention, the number of people held at the facility, the medical care they received and what ultimately led to their deaths.
Tinubu further warned that administrative measures against officers involved in the incident would not prevent criminal proceedings where evidence established culpability.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC authorities to give investigative agencies unrestricted cooperation and ensure that no official obstructed the process.
The incident followed enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto area of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody, with medical examinations, forensic analysis and autopsies being undertaken to determine the cause of death.
The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the suspects’ condition upon arrest, their detention and the medical attention available to them.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had earlier suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
Meanwhile, the deaths sparked protests in parts of Niger State, during which several public and private properties were reportedly vandalised. Governor Bago subsequently imposed a 24-hour curfew in the state.
The Federal Government had also assured that anyone found culpable would face the law, while urging Nigerians to allow the investigation to establish the facts.
Tinubu appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on the findings of the investigation.
