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 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 that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu expressed concern over the reported deaths and directed that the investigation cover 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, medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their deaths.
He said suspected involvement in 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,” the President said.
Tinubu also directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the investigation.
He stressed that the suspension of officers would only constitute an administrative measure and should not replace a determination of criminal responsibility where evidence supports prosecution.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among 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,” Tinubu said.
