Tinubu Orders probe, Prosecution of Officials Over Niger Miners’ Deaths

President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State, directing that any official found responsible be arrested and prosecuted.

The President gave the order on Friday through a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, following reports of the deaths during the detention of the suspects.

Tinubu said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be properly established and that the investigation should lead to accountability where evidence shows that an official’s actions, negligence or failure of duty contributed to the incident.

He said being suspected of illegal mining did not remove the detainees’ right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

The President maintained that while the Federal Government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities, security and enforcement agencies must carry out their duties within the law and respect the rights of people under their care.

He directed investigators to examine the events leading to the arrests, the physical condition of the suspects when they were taken into custody, the number of people detained at the facility, the conditions in which they were held and the medical care available to them. The investigation is also expected to establish what happened before the deaths occurred.

Tinubu further stated that the suspension of officers involved in the matter should not end the process of determining whether anyone committed a criminal offence. He ordered the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to work with the relevant investigative bodies and ensure that no official obstructed the process.

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

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, later confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners had died in NSCDC custody. The state government subsequently ordered forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, to determine the exact cause of death.

The NSCDC also set up an investigative team to look into the incident. Its assignment includes examining the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, the detention environment and the medical attention they received.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had earlier suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed that the circumstances surrounding the deaths be investigated.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also said the Federal Government would not protect anyone found culpable, while urging people not to reach conclusions before the investigation is completed.

Former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, had also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the deaths.

The incident has also led to unrest in parts of Niger State. Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew after protests reportedly resulted in the destruction of property, including buses belonging to the State Transport Company, a Sterling Bank branch, offices of political parties and private businesses.

The state government is also working on a register of the families of the victims as part of efforts to engage them during the investigation.

Bago had ordered the closure of illegal mining activities around the M.I. Wushishi mining site and directed that those who violate the order be prosecuted. Experts from Abuja were also expected to inspect and assess the mining site.

Tinubu called for calm among the affected families and communities, saying the government would work to establish what happened and take action based on the findings.

He also directed that the fight against illegal activities should not result in violations of the law or the rights of citizens placed in government custody.