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) following enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the life of every Nigerian matters and no citizen should die in government custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He said while the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons 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,” the President said.
He added that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Tinubu directed that the investigation should cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees upon arrival, the conditions under which they were held, the number of persons detained, medical attention provided and events leading to their deaths.
He also stressed that the suspension of officers should not replace the determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with or frustrates the process.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based 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,” he said.
