IGP Disu visits Niger, vows thorough probe into deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to investigating the deaths of 37 artisanal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Disu gave the assurance on Friday during a condolence visit to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.

The police chief said he was in the state to visit the scene of the incident and ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

He described the incident as tragic and assured residents that the police would leave no stone unturned in determining what happened.

Disu said the investigation would involve collaboration with the NSCDC and the Niger State Government’s committees of inquiry.

He noted that deaths in custody were serious matters that fell within the purview of the police, regardless of where they occurred, adding that the Force was obligated to investigate such incidents.

The IGP urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the police would not compromise in their efforts to establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action was taken.

Governor Bago, in his response, thanked Disu and his team for their efforts towards resolving the matter and maintaining peace and order in the state.

The governor disclosed that all political activities in Niger had been suspended out of respect for the deceased miners and their families.

He said the state government was working with the Association of Miners of Niger State and the Ministry of Mineral Resources to identify those who died, so that officials could visit and commiserate with their families.

Bago also announced the temporary suspension of all mining activities across the state pending the release of investigation reports.

He said the suspension was necessary as his administration pursued responsible mining practices, including the establishment of a comprehensive register of miners and their organisation into cooperatives to ensure proper monitoring and accountability.

The governor commended federal agencies and other institutions that had commenced investigations into the incident, assuring them of the state government’s support.

He also cautioned politicians against politicising the deaths, urging them to unite and support efforts to establish the facts surrounding the tragedy.

The deaths of the artisanal miners have prompted investigations by relevant authorities, with the police, NSCDC and Niger State Government expected to work together to determine the circumstances that led to the incident.