President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered 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.
Tinubu, who expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, declared that no Nigerian should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
In a statement issued by the President, Tinubu said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be established urgently, stressing that the Federal Government would not shield any official found culpable.
«“The life of every Nigerian matters. No citizen should lose their life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty,” the President said.»
The directive comes amid concerns over the circumstances in which the suspected illegal miners died while in NSCDC custody.
Tinubu said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not strip them of their fundamental rights, insisting that enforcement of the law must not be accompanied by violations of the law.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment,” he said.»
‘Culpable Officers Must Be Prosecuted’
The President ordered investigators to establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held and the number of people detained at the facility.
He also directed investigators to determine the medical attention provided to the detainees and the events that ultimately led to their deaths.
Tinubu warned that officers whose actions, abuse or negligence are found to have contributed to the deaths must face the full weight of the law.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, that officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” he declared.»
He further directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities, warning officers against interfering with the process or frustrating efforts to uncover the truth.
The President stressed that the suspension of officers, where applicable, would not be enough to determine criminal liability.
“The suspension of officers is an administrative step. It cannot substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” Tinubu said.»
‘Government Must Obey The Law’
While reaffirming the Federal Government’s determination to tackle illegal mining and other criminal activities, Tinubu insisted that security and enforcement operations must be conducted strictly within the law.
He said government agencies must respect the dignity and fundamental rights of persons taken into custody, regardless of the allegations against them.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. Government must enforce the law firmly, but government itself must obey the law,” the President said.»
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
“The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable,” the President declared.»
