President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
The President gave the directive on Friday following reports that several of the detained suspects died while in government custody.
Reacting to the incident, President Tinubu in a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said the lives of all Nigerians are valuable and must be protected, stressing that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or failure by public officials to carry out their responsibilities.
He described the reported deaths as a serious development that demands 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,” the President said.
Tinubu directed the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive, transparent and unhindered investigation into the incident.
According to him, investigators must examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions of the detention facility, the number of people held there, the medical care provided and the events that led to the deaths.
The President also stressed that the suspension of officers linked to the incident should not replace criminal investigation where evidence shows that any official was responsible.
“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.
Tinubu further directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to cooperate fully with all investigating authorities. He warned that no officer should interfere with the investigation or attempt to obstruct efforts to establish the truth.
The President extended his condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He also appealed to the affected families and communities to remain calm, assuring them that the Federal Government would uncover the truth and take appropriate action based on the outcome of the investigation.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The latest directive comes as the Federal Government continues its crackdown on illegal mining across the country. Authorities have repeatedly warned that illegal mining fuels environmental degradation, economic losses and insecurity in several mining communities.
The President’s order signals that while the government remains committed to tackling illegal mining, security agencies are equally expected to respect the rule of law and protect the constitutional rights of every person in custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
