Tinubu orders investigation into deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger

Crime Diary, Politics

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the reported deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The suspected illegal miners were detained following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.

In a statement personally issued by the President on Friday, titled “The Life of Every Nigerian Matters. Your Government Will Not Tolerate Mass Deaths Caused by Official Negligence!”, Tinubu said he was deeply concerned by the reported deaths and directed that the circumstances be urgently and thoroughly investigated.

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“The life of every Nigerian matters. No citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty,” the President said.

Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, but stressed that such operations must be conducted within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of people taken into custody.

“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment,” he said.

The President said any official found through the investigation to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He directed that the investigation establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

Tinubu also said the suspension of officers was only an administrative measure and could not replace a determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warranted prosecution.

He directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities, warning officers against interfering with the investigation or frustrating efforts to establish the truth.

The President extended his condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm among affected families and communities.

He said 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. Government must enforce the law firmly, but government itself must obey the law,” Tinubu said.

He added: “The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable.”