President Bola 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) in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu gave the directive on Friday following reports of the deaths of the detainees after enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
The President said the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should die in government custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
He described the incident 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,” he said.
Tinubu said suspicion of illegal mining did not deprive the detainees of their right to life, dignity and humane treatment.
“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,” he said.
The President directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation was comprehensive, transparent and unhindered.
According to him, the investigation should cover the circumstances of the arrests, condition of the detainees on arrival, detention conditions, number of persons held at the facility, medical attention provided and events leading to their deaths.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the process.
Tinubu condoled with the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He also appealed for calm among 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.
