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 in Minna, Niger State.
The President gave the directive on Friday,while expressing concern over the reported deaths and stressing the need for urgent investigation and accountability.
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President Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian matters and that no citizen should lose their life while in government custody due to negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
He said although the Federal Government would continue to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.
According to the President, being suspected of illegal mining does not remove an individual’s right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
He warned that the government would not tolerate deaths resulting from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect persons under their care.
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President Tinubu directed that the investigation should cover the circumstances surrounding 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 that led to their deaths.
He said where the investigation establishes that any official contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence, such an officer should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“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,” the President said.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with or frustrates the investigation.
President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
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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.