Tinubu orders full investigation into deaths of 37 miners in NSCDC custody

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths of 37 artisanal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The miners were reportedly arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt.-Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna over allegations of illegal mining.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed concern over the deaths and described the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

The President stressed that every Nigerian’s life matters and that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse or inhumane treatment.

He said while the Federal Government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect the dignity and fundamental rights of people in their custody.

“The fact that these individuals were suspected illegal miners does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody,” Tinubu said.

The President warned that the government would not tolerate negligence or dereliction of duty by law enforcement personnel.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu directed that any official found through the investigation to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or other actions should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law where the evidence warrants such action.

“There must be accountability,” the President stressed.

He directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation covers all aspects of the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the arrests and the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody.

The probe is also expected to examine the conditions under which the suspects were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their reported deaths.

Tinubu further cautioned that administrative sanctions against officers must not prevent the determination of criminal responsibility where evidence supports prosecution.

“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” he said.

The President also directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigative authorities.

He ordered that no officer should interfere with the process or frustrate efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The development comes after the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered the immediate suspension of the NSCDC Commandant in Niger State, Suberu Aniviye, over the incident.

Tinubu expressed 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.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 37 artisanal miners died in NSCDC custody in Minna following a recent enforcement operation in parts of Niger State.