President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The directive follows enforcement operations near the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate, which resulted in the reported deaths of dozens of detainees.
Expressing deep concern over the tragedy, President Tinubu emphasized that suspected criminal activity does not strip individuals of their fundamental right to life, dignity, and humane treatment under state care.
“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,” the President said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
President Tinubu warned that any public official found to have contributed to the deaths through negligence, abuse, or dereliction of duty would face arrest and prosecution, noting that administrative suspensions are not a substitute for criminal accountability.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigators, ensuring the probe covers arrest procedures, detention conditions, medical responses, and the exact sequence of events leading to the deaths.
Extending his condolences to the affected families and communities, President Tinubu appealed for calm and reiterated that the government remains committed to upholding the rule of law and the sanctity of human life.