By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose his life in government custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
He expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, 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 and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of every person in custody,” the President said.
He added that suspicion of illegal mining does not remove a person’s 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 said.
He directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. “There must be accountability,” he said.
The President directed relevant authorities to ensure the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
He also said the suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants prosecution.
Tinubu directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or attempts to frustrate the establishment of the truth.
He extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls. He also appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth 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.
