Tinubu Orders Probe Into Deaths Of 37 Suspected Illegal Miners In NSCDC Custody
Dr. Nafisat Makinde, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The detainees were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state on Sept. 15 and 16. Niger State authorities later confirmed that 37 detainees had died while in NSCDC custody.
In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should lose his or her life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The President described the deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability. He said the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities but insisted that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of people in custody.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He directed the relevant authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
Tinubu also directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the process or frustrated efforts to establish the truth.
“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.
The President said any official whose actions, abuse or negligence were found to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. He extended his 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,” Tinubu said.