Tinubu Orders Full Probe Into Deaths Of Detainees In NSCDC Custody

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.

The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the lives of all Nigerians matter and that no citizen should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the incident as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

He said although the Federal Government would continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.

“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.

“Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care,” the President said.

Tinubu directed that where investigations establish that any official contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence, the officer should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

He further directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation covers the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions of detention, the number of persons held at the facility, medical attention provided to them and the events leading to their deaths.

“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.

The President also directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with the process or attempts to frustrate efforts to establish the truth.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.

“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,” the President said.