President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The President also directed that any government official found to have contributed to the deaths through negligence, abuse or other unlawful conduct should be arrested and prosecuted.
Tinubu gave the directives in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
He described the incident as a grave matter that required urgent investigation and accountability, stressing that every Nigerian had a right to life and humane treatment while in government custody.
According to the President, the fact that the victims were suspected of illegal mining did not justify any violation of their rights.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu ordered investigators to establish how the suspects were arrested, their physical condition when they were taken into custody, the number of people detained at the facility, the conditions of their detention and the medical attention they received before their deaths.
He further directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure that no officer interfered with efforts to establish what happened.
The President said disciplinary measures already taken against some officers should not prevent authorities from pursuing possible criminal charges.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The deaths reportedly followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations around the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, confirmed that 37 suspects died in NSCDC custody, while forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.
The NSCDC has also commenced its own investigation into the incident.
Earlier, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered an investigation into the deaths.
Meanwhile, Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state following protests and reported attacks on public and private property.
The governor said several facilities, including buses belonging to the State Transport Company, a Sterling Bank branch, political party offices and private businesses, were vandalised during the unrest.
The Federal Government has also pledged that anyone found responsible for the deaths would face appropriate sanctions.
Tinubu appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the government would establish the facts and act on credible evidence.
“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.
