President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners 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.
In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu expressed concern over the reported deaths, describing the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He said the Federal Government would continue to tackle illegal mining and other criminal activities, but stressed that enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of people in 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,” Tinubu said.
The President warned that the government would not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people under their care.
He directed that any official whose actions, abuse or negligence are found to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Tinubu ordered investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding 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, the medical attention provided and the events that led to their deaths.
He also stressed that the suspension of officers involved would only be an administrative measure and should not replace investigations into possible 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,” he said.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or attempts to frustrate efforts to establish the truth.
He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the facts and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
“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,” Tinubu said.
