Tinubu Orders Probe into Deaths of Detained Illegal Miners

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 Minna, Niger State.

The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said every Nigerian’s life mattered and that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence or abuse.

The detainees were arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.

Tinubu described the reported deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

He said the government would continue to tackle illegal mining and other criminal activities but insisted that security operations must comply with the law and respect the rights of detainees.

According to him, the suspects’ alleged involvement in illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in custody.

The President directed the authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the arrests, the condition of the detainees on arrival, the conditions in which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility and the medical attention provided.

He also ordered investigators to examine the events that preceded the deaths.

Tinubu said any official found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, action or negligence should face 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 further directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the process.

He said the suspension of officers involved in the incident should not prevent investigators from determining whether criminal responsibility existed.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among affected communities.

The President assured the families that the Federal Government would establish the facts and take appropriate action 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,” he said.