Tinubu Issues Directives Following Mass Deaths In Niger State

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the deaths were a grave development requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

The President stressed that every Nigerian had a right to life and humane treatment, regardless of the offence for which the person was detained.

He said no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

“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,” Tinubu said.

He added that the suspected illegal mining activities of the detainees did not deprive them of their fundamental rights.

“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.

Tinubu directed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the physical condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events that preceded their deaths.

He further ordered the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that no officer interfered with the process.

The President warned that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must be arrested and prosecuted.

“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.

Tinubu also said the Federal Government would continue its campaign against illegal mining but insisted that enforcement agencies must operate within the law.

“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.

The development has triggered protests and destruction of property in parts of Niger State, prompting Governor Umar Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew across the state.

Bago announced the curfew on Friday, saying it would take effect immediately after the Friday congregational prayers.

The governor said the restriction became necessary after protesters allegedly vandalised government property, a bank, political party offices and private businesses.

“Immediately after the Friday mosque, we are putting a 24-hour curfew here,” Bago said.

He listed the State Transport Company, Sterling Bank, party offices and private businesses among properties reportedly affected by the unrest.

According to Bago, vandals had taken over parts of the streets, making it necessary for the government to impose restrictions to prevent further destruction and restore calm.

He appealed to residents to exercise restraint and remain patient while authorities worked to restore order.

The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations around the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

The Niger State Government had earlier confirmed that 37 detainees died in NSCDC custody, while forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to establish the cause of death.

Following the incident, the NSCDC constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Politics Nigeria reports that the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered an investigation.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said anyone found culpable would not be shielded, while cautioning against reaching conclusions before the investigation is completed.