President Directs Investigation Into Arrests, Detention Conditions and Medical Care in Niger
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Tinubu directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday, the President said the deaths were a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He stressed that the detainees’ suspected involvement in illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.
President tinubu directed investigators to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
He also warned that the suspension of officers must not substitute for determining criminal responsibility where evidence supports prosecution.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that no officer interferes with efforts to establish the truth.
The deaths followed the arrest of suspected illegal miners during enforcement operations in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody, with forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies being conducted to establish the cause of death.
Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also said nobody found culpable would be shielded, while cautioning against prejudging the outcome of the investigation.
Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, had also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths.
Meanwhile, Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew across Niger State following protests and destruction of property linked to the incident.
The governor said the unrest resulted in the vandalism of State Transport Company buses, a Sterling Bank branch, political party offices and private businesses.
President Tinubu appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, stressing that the government must enforce the law while also obeying it and protecting human life.