President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the life of every Nigerian mattered and warned that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The President expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
“While the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody. Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” Tinubu said.
The President directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation was comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody.
He also ordered investigators to examine the conditions under which the suspects were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their deaths.
Tinubu stressed that the suspension of officers involved in the matter would not be sufficient if the investigation established evidence of criminal responsibility.
“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” he said.
The President further directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the process or attempted to frustrate efforts to establish the truth.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He also appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth 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. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the President said.
