The Federal Government has vowed to ensure that anyone found responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State will face accountability.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday while expressing condolences to the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of the deceased.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.
Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough and impartial investigation before responsibility could be established.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation,” the minister said.
He added, “The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served.”
The minister said the Federal Government had already taken steps to determine what led to the deaths, following the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
Tunji-Ojo also ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Idris said the suspension demonstrated the seriousness with which the government viewed the deaths, adding that the investigation would be allowed to determine what happened and guide further action.
He said the government remained committed to protecting the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians, stressing that efforts to tackle illegal mining must be conducted within the law.
The deaths occurred after the suspects were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody.
According to the governor, forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine the cause of the deaths.
The NSCDC has also set up an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the suspects at the point of arrest, their detention conditions and the medical attention they received while in custody.
The cause of the deaths has yet to be established.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability, saying anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should face the full consequences.
Atiku also urged authorities to ensure that the investigation was independent, thorough and transparent, saying the families of the deceased deserved truth and justice.
Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and other parts of Niger State, urging residents and stakeholders to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
He assured the families of the victims and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government was committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensuring that appropriate action followed the findings.
