PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has ordered full and transparent investigation into the death of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The detainees were arrested during enforcement operations around Lt.-Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna over allegations of illegal mining.
Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian mattered and no citizen should die in government custody through negligence, abuse or inhumane treatment.
This is contained in a statement issued by presidential spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.
The president expressed deep concern over the reported death, describing the development as “a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
“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.
“They must also be carried out with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected illegal miners does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.”
Tinubu warned that the Federal Government would not tolerate unprofessionalism or negligence by law enforcement agencies.
“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.
“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,” Tinubu said.
The president also directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation was comprehensive, transparent and unhindered.
He said the probe must cover the circumstances of the arrests and the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody.
It must also examine the detention conditions, number of persons held at the facility, medical attention provided and events leading to the reported deaths.
“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution,” Tinubu said.
He also directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with relevant investigative authorities.
Tinubu also directed that no officer should interfere with the process or attempt to frustrate efforts to establish the truth.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth.
Tinubu said appropriate action would be taken based on credible evidence from the investigation.
“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 stressed.
National Record reported earlier on Friday morning that the Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered a full-scale and transparent investigation into the incident.
The minister directed NSCDC Commandant General Ahmed Audi to activate an unhindered inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
In compliance with the directive, Audi ordered the Niger State commandant and the heads of Operations, Mining, Legal, Intelligence and Investigation to report to the NSCDC national headquarters in Abuja to appear before the panel of inquiry.
A new commandant was also directed to take over in Niger State pending the outcome of the investigation.
Tunji-Ojo had earlier ordered the immediate suspension of Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
The Interior Ministry said the suspension would remain in place while the investigation was conducted.
Audi said any personnel found culpable would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal sanctions under existing laws and regulations.
He also reaffirmed the corps’ commitment to protecting the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of people in its custody.
