Tinubu Orders Probe into Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in NSCDC Custody

Tinubu Orders Probe into Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in NSCDC Custody

ABUJA – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday 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 by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should die in government custody through negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty. He described the reported deaths as a grave matter requiring 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 President said.

He added that suspicion of illegal mining does not remove a person's right to life, dignity and humane treatment. "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.

President Tinubu warned that any official found to have contributed to the deaths, whether through action, abuse or negligence, must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. "There must be accountability," he said.

The President directed the relevant authorities to ensure the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered. It is to cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held, the number of people in the facility, the medical attention provided and the events that led to their deaths.

Addressing the suspension of officers connected to the incident, he said the step was only administrative. "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 also directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and to ensure that no officer interferes with the process or tries to frustrate the establishment of the truth.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls. He 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," he said.