President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
The President also directed that any government official found responsible for the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday, September 18, by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian’s life must be protected, including people detained over alleged criminal activities.
According to the President, no person should lose their life while in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or failure by officials to perform their duties.
He said investigators must determine whether the actions or negligence of any officer contributed to the deaths and ensure that those found culpable face the law.
Tinubu maintained that the Federal Government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities across the country.
However, he warned that security operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for the rights and dignity of people placed in government custody.
The President specifically stated that being suspected of illegal mining did not strip the detainees of their fundamental rights.
He said government authorities would not accept a situation where people die in large numbers because officials failed to protect those under their care.
Tinubu has consequently ordered investigators to examine several aspects of the incident.
The probe is expected to establish how the suspected miners were arrested, their physical condition when they arrived at the facility, the conditions in which they were detained and the number of detainees being held there.
Investigators are also expected to examine the medical care provided to the detainees and establish what happened before their deaths.
The President further warned that suspending officers would not be enough if evidence points to possible criminal responsibility.
He described suspension as an administrative measure that cannot replace a proper investigation or criminal prosecution where the evidence supports it.
Tinubu directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigation.
He also ordered authorities to ensure that no officer interferes with the probe or takes any action capable of preventing investigators from uncovering what happened.
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