President Tinubu Orders Full Probe Into 37 Miners’ Deaths in NSCDC Custody

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 (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State, saying the suspension of officers is only an administrative measure and will not replace criminal prosecution where evidence establishes wrongdoing.

The President’s directive followed growing public concern and protests over the deaths, which occurred after the victims were arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining in parts of Minna.Tinubu said no Nigerian should lose their life in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty, stressing that people suspected of illegal mining retain their rights to life, dignity and humane treatment while in custody.

The victims were among scores of people arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna. The NSCDC said the operation was aimed at enforcing government measures against illegal mining and addressing concerns over mining activities affecting farmland and residential areas. The NSCDC Niger State Command initially said some of the detainees were found dead in the early hours of September 17 following what it described as a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the corps has stressed that the actual cause of death has not been established and that medical and laboratory examinations are required before any conclusion can be reached.

The bodies were taken to the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination and autopsies, while the police and other authorities have commenced separate investigations. Tinubu directed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the number of people held at the facility, the detention conditions, medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their deaths.He also ordered the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process.
He said the probe must cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held in the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

President Tinubu said the suspension of officers would only be an administrative measure and should not replace a determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.He directed the federal ministry of interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure that no officer interferes with the investigation.

The president expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among affected families and communities.

“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 added.