President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The President also directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or other actions be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
According to a statement issued on Friday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
Tinubu said the government’s fight against illegal mining must be conducted within the law and that suspects in custody remained entitled to life, dignity and humane treatment.
He directed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events that preceded their deaths.
The deaths followed enforcement operations against suspected illegal miners in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody. Forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, are being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.
The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered an investigation.
Tinubu, however, stressed that suspension alone would not determine whether criminal responsibility existed.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate with relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with efforts to establish the facts.
The incident has also sparked protests in Niger State. Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew following unrest during which government and private property was reportedly vandalised.
Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths.
Tinubu appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, saying the Federal Government would act on the findings of the investigation.
