Warns Against Negligence, Abuse
Federal Government has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
President Bola Tinubu gave the directive on Friday following reports that 37 suspected illegal miners died after being arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Tinubu warned that government would not tolerate deaths in official custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The president asserted that the fact that the victims were suspected of illegal mining did not strip them of their fundamental rights to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
“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,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
“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.
“Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care.”
Tinubu further directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should face criminal prosecution.
“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” he said.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process.
According to him, the investigation must establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events that led to their deaths.
Tinubu also warned that the suspension of officers involved in the incident must not be used as a substitute for determining 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 expressed condolences to the families of the deceased, and appealed for calm among the affected communities.
He assured that the Federal Government would ensure that the truth is established, while appropriate action would be taken against culprit, 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 added.
The directive followed Thursday’s protest in Minna over the reported deaths of the suspected miners in NSCDC custody.
A survivor had alleged that the detainees were confined in a small room and that an unidentified substance with an unpleasant smell was sprayed inside before the cell was locked.
Following the protest and unrest, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew on Minna.
The curfew took effect after Friday’s Jumu’ah prayers and was announced to remain in force until further notice.
Bago also constituted a state committee of inquiry to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The governor subsequently suspended all mining activities across Niger State pending the conclusion of investigations.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Interior has announced the suspension of the NSCDC state commander in connection with the incident.
The Federal Government’s investigation is expected to determine the circumstances that led to the deaths and establish whether any official or institution bears criminal or administrative responsibility.
