Tinubu Orders Investigation 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) following enforcement operations in Minna, Niger.

Tinubu, in a statement, expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, saying the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should lose his life in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

The President said the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, but stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.

He directed the investigation to cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees upon arrival, detention conditions, the number of persons held at the facility, medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths. Tinubu said any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The President also directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with relevant investigative authorities, stressing that the suspension of officers was only an administrative measure and should not substitute for determining criminal responsibility where evidence warranted prosecution. He condoled with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm, assuring affected communities that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.