By Chesa Chesa
President Bola Ahmed 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) following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
The President, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He said while the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
“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,” the President said.
“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 directed that any official found, through action, abuse or negligence, to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He ordered the investigation to cover the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
According to the President, the suspension of officers involved would only constitute an administrative measure and should not replace the determination of possible criminal responsibility.
“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,” he said.
The President also directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interfered with the investigation or frustrated efforts to establish the truth.
Tinubu condoled with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities.
He assured 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,” the President said.
