President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered 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 directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, titled “The Life of Every Nigerian Matters; Government Will Not Tolerate Mass Death Caused by Official Negligence.”
President Tinubu expressed concern over the reported deaths, describing the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation, accountability and the establishment of the facts surrounding the tragedy.
The President stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life while in government custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu directed relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into every aspect of the incident. The probe is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that ultimately led to their deaths.
He further directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities. The President also ordered that no officer should interfere with the investigation or take any action capable of frustrating efforts to establish the truth.
According to Tinubu, while the Federal Government remains committed to tackling illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and in accordance with the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual in custody.
He emphasized that being suspected of illegal mining does not deprive anyone of their right to life, dignity and humane treatment.
“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.”
The President also warned that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or other actions would face legal consequences if the evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
He noted that the suspension of officers involved in the incident would only constitute an administrative measure and should not replace a proper investigation into possible criminal liability.
Tinubu said there must be accountability where evidence establishes wrongdoing, directing that any official found culpable should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities. He assured them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
Reiterating his position, Tinubu said the government must maintain the balance between enforcing the law and protecting the rights of citizens.
“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.”
The investigation is therefore expected to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths and establish whether any acts of negligence, abuse or misconduct by public officials contributed to the incident.