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.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the life of every Nigerian matters and no citizen should die while in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu expressed concern over the reported deaths, describing the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He said the government would continue its efforts to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country but stressed that enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
According to the President, being suspected of illegal mining does not deprive anyone of the right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
“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 relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered.
He said the probe must examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that led to their deaths.
Tinubu also stressed that the suspension of officers involved in the matter would only constitute an administrative measure and must not replace a proper determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
“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.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with or frustrates the investigation.
The President 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,” Tinubu said.
