Tinubu orders probe into deaths of suspected illegal miners in Niger

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) in Niger State.

The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Minna on September 15 and 16. Reports indicate that 37 detainees died while in NSCDC custody.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

The President described the deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

“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 every person in custody,” Tinubu said.

He stressed that the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government 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 said.

Tinubu directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.