President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The directive followed reports of deaths among suspects arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Tinubu said the deaths were a grave matter requiring urgent investigation, stressing that no Nigerian should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The President said the government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities, but insisted that enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect the rights of detainees.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He directed the investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions of their detention, the number of people held at the facility, the medical care provided and the events that preceded the deaths.
Tinubu further ordered that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted where the evidence supports criminal charges.
“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,” he said.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigative authorities and prevent any officer from interfering with the process.
He also cautioned that the suspension of officers should not be treated as a substitute for determining criminal responsibility.
“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.
The President extended condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities.
“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.