President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following an enforcement operation around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement on Friday, the President said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose their life in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
“I am deeply concerned by the reported deaths. This is a grave matter, and the circumstances must be investigated urgently and thoroughly,” Tinubu said.
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve to continue combating illegal mining across the country, the President insisted that such operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person taken into custody.
He stressed that being a suspect in an illegal mining case does not strip anyone of their right to life, dignity and humane treatment, warning that his administration would not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, abuse or the failure of public officials to protect lives placed in their care.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, that officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” he said.
Tinubu directed that the probe be comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees at the point of custody, the conditions under which they were held, the total number of persons detained at the facility, the medical attention provided to them, and the events that led to their deaths.
He noted that the earlier suspension of officers linked to the incident was only an administrative step and cannot substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
The President said he has directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities, warning that no officer must interfere with the probe or attempt to obstruct the truth.
He extended condolences to the families of those who died, appealed for calm among affected families and communities, and pledged that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and act on credible evidence.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. Government must enforce the law firmly, but government itself must obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the President said.
