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) in Minna, Niger State.
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga on Friday, expressed deep concern over the reported deaths following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate, stressing that the lives of all Nigerians matter and that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu said the Federal Government would continue its fight against 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 persons in custody.
He said the status of the detainees as suspected illegal miners did not deprive them of their 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,” the President said.
Tinubu directed that any official found, through action, abuse or negligence, to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“There must be accountability,” he said.
The President ordered investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
He further stressed that the investigation must be comprehensive, transparent and unhindered.
According to Tinubu, the suspension of officers allegedly connected to the incident would constitute only an administrative measure and must not replace the determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
“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 directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the investigation or attempts to frustrate efforts to establish the truth.
He also appealed for calm among the families and communities affected by the tragedy, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the facts and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
“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,” the President said.
