Tinubu Orders Full Probe into Deaths of Detained Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger State

ABUJA, NIGERIA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the tragic deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The detainees were apprehended during recent enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.

‘The Sanctity of Human Life is Non-Negotiable’

In a statehouse press statement released on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy), President Tinubu emphasized that the life of every Nigerian matters. He made it clear that the government will not tolerate mass deaths resulting from official negligence, abuse, or dereliction of duty.

“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,” Tinubu stated. “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.”

Scope of the Investigation

The President directed relevant authorities to launch an unhindered probe. The investigation is mandated to uncover the exact circumstances surrounding the arrests, the health and physical condition of the detainees upon entering custody, the overcrowding and living conditions within the detention facility, and the level of medical attention provided to the suspects.

Accountability and Prosecution

President Tinubu warned that administrative actions, such as suspending the officers involved, are only preliminary steps. He stressed that administrative discipline will not replace criminal prosecution if the evidence shows a breach of the law.

“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse, or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted,” the President insisted.

The Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC have been ordered to cooperate fully with investigators and ensure no official interferes with the process.

President Tinubu extended his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, appealing for calm across the affected communities while promising that justice will be served based on credible evidence