President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the 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, expressed deep concern over the reported deaths and described the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
Tinubu said the government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities but stressed that enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect the fundamental rights and dignity of people in their 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.”
He warned that the government would not tolerate deaths resulting from official negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
“Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care,” the President said.
Tinubu directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation covers the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that led to their deaths.
The President further ordered the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or attempts to frustrate efforts to establish the truth.
He also made clear that administrative sanctions against officers would not be sufficient if evidence points to criminal responsibility.
“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” Tinubu said.
The President directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“There must be accountability,” he added.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls. He also appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
Reaffirming his administration’s position on the protection of human life, the President said the enforcement of laws must not itself result in violations of the law.
“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.