Tinubu orders full investigation into deaths of suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody
By: Zagazola Makama
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the Lt. General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
In a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of 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 across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
The President stressed that the fact that the victims were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
He warned that the government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” Tinubu said.
The President directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the conditions under which the detainees were held, the events leading to their deaths and the conduct of all officials involved.
The directive comes as the Niger State Government has also constituted a Committee of Inquiry to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, with Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba as Chairman and Commissioner for Homeland Security Maurice Magaji as Secretary.
The Niger State Government said forensic examinations and autopsies would be conducted to establish the exact cause of death, while the NSCDC Commandant General has suspended the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and members of his team to allow investigations to proceed.
