President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Minna, Niger State.
The President issued the directive on Friday, September 18, following widespread concern over the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the detainees, who had been arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining.
Tinubu described the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability, stressing that suspected involvement in illegal mining does not remove a detainee’s right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
He directed investigators to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that preceded their deaths.
The President further directed that the investigation be comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, with the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership instructed to cooperate fully with the relevant investigative authorities.
Tinubu said any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or other actions should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“There must be accountability,” the President said, according to the statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
The deaths occurred after NSCDC personnel arrested scores of suspected illegal miners during operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC initially said that the detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what it described as a suspected disease outbreak. However, the actual cause of death has not been conclusively established. Authorities have ordered further investigation and medical examinations to determine what happened.
The incident has also prompted a police investigation. Inspector-General of Police Olatunji Disu subsequently assured the Niger State Government that the circumstances surrounding the deaths would be thoroughly investigated.
Tinubu also clarified that the suspension of NSCDC personnel should not be regarded as a substitute for determining criminal responsibility. He said administrative measures must not prevent investigators from establishing whether any officials were responsible for the deaths.
The President expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm as investigations continue.
The deaths have also triggered public protests in Minna, with authorities imposing a curfew following unrest. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, and no definitive cause has yet been established.
Tinubu maintained that the government would continue its campaign against illegal mining but stressed that enforcement must be conducted within the law and with respect for the fundamental rights of people in custody.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another,” he said, adding that the government must enforce the law while also obeying it.