The Federal Government has vowed that anyone found responsible for the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State will face accountability.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Friday while expressing condolences to the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of the deceased.
The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that the government must first establish the facts before determining who may be culpable.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation,” he said.
“The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served.”
The minister said the Federal Government considered the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians a solemn responsibility.
His statement followed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, and the order for a full investigation into the incident by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation is expected to examine the condition of the detainees when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.
Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to determine the cause of death.
The actual cause of the deaths has not yet been established. While the NSCDC initially referred to a suspected disease outbreak, authorities have cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific cause until medical and laboratory investigations are completed.
The incident has generated public concern and protests in parts of Minna, with security agencies deployed to maintain order as investigations continue.
The Federal Government said it remained committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, economic resources and the environment.
Idris, however, stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.
He appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.
The minister assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the government remained committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and taking appropriate action based on the findings.
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