By By Elizabeth Ugbo
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The President gave the directive after enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate led to the detention of the suspects and subsequent reported deaths.
Tinubu Demands Full Investigation
President Tinubu described the reported deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
He said every Nigerian life matters, including the lives of people held in government custody.
According to the President, no citizen should die in custody because of negligence, abuse or inhumane treatment.
He also stressed that public officials must protect people placed under their care.
Tinubu said the government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities.
However, he insisted that security operations must follow the law and respect fundamental rights.
Illegal Mining Suspects Still Have Rights
The President said allegations of illegal mining do not remove a detainee’s basic rights.
He noted that every person in custody deserves life, dignity and humane treatment.
Therefore, security agencies must conduct enforcement operations within legal limits.
Tinubu also warned against negligence or dereliction of duty by government officials.
He said the government would not tolerate mass deaths linked to failures by officials responsible for detainees.
Tinubu Demands Accountability
President Tinubu directed authorities to prosecute any official found responsible for the deaths.
However, he said investigators must first establish responsibility through credible evidence.
Where an official’s actions, abuse or negligence contributed to the deaths, prosecution should follow.
The President therefore called for accountability in accordance with the law.
He also warned that administrative sanctions alone would not replace criminal investigations.
“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,” Tinubu said.
Probe to Cover Arrests and Detention Conditions
Tinubu directed authorities to conduct a comprehensive and transparent investigation.
The probe will examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests.
It will also establish the condition of the detainees when officials took them into custody.
Investigators will examine the conditions at the detention facility.
They will also determine the number of people held there at the time.
Furthermore, the investigation will examine the medical attention provided to the detainees.
Authorities must also establish the events that led to the reported deaths.
Ministry of Interior, NSCDC Ordered to Cooperate
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigators.
He also ordered them to ensure an unhindered investigation.
No officer should interfere with the process or frustrate efforts to establish the truth.
Tinubu said the investigation must proceed without interference.
Tinubu Appeals for Calm
President Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.
He also prayed for the repose of their souls.
In addition, he appealed for calm among affected families and communities.
The President assured them that the government would pursue the truth.
He added that authorities would take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
‘Government Must Enforce the Law and Obey the Law’
Tinubu said the government must maintain a balance during law enforcement operations.
He stressed that fighting illegal activities cannot justify another violation of the law.
“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another,” he said.
According to the President, government must enforce the law firmly.
However, he added that government must also obey the law.
He concluded that the sanctity of human life remains non-negotiable.
