Tinubu Orders Prosecution Of Officials Linked To Niger Miners’ Deaths

President Bola Tinubu has demanded a comprehensive and transparent inquiry into the tragic deaths of suspected illegal miners who were held in the detention facility of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps located in Niger State.

In his directive, he mandated that any administrative officers whose actions or omissions contributed to the fatalities face immediate arrest and subsequent prosecution.

Through a formal statement released on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasized that the reported deaths constitute a severe issue demanding immediate investigation and strict accountability.

Tinubu stressed that every Nigerian life holds intrinsic value and that no citizen ought to perish inside state detention facilities as a consequence of official neglect, mistreatment, physical abuse, or a failure of duty.

“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability,” the President declared.

While reaffirming the administration’s ongoing campaign against illicit mining and other unlawful operations, the President underscored that enforcement protocols must strictly adhere to legal boundaries and safeguard the basic rights of detainees.

“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,” he noted.

Furthermore, he warned that the government refuses to condone mass fatalities stemming from official carelessness, dereliction of responsibilities, or a failure by public servants to protect vulnerable lives entrusted to them.

The presidential directive stipulates that investigators must thoroughly examine the arrest procedures, the initial physical condition of the detainees upon arrival, facility environmental conditions, total occupancy numbers, rendered medical services, and the sequential events leading to the deaths.

Tinubu cautioned that administrative suspensions do not equal justice, clarifying that sidelining officers must not substitute for proper determinations of criminal liability wherever evidentiary standards justify court action.

“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 stated.

Both the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC executive leadership were instructed to extend total cooperation to investigative bodies, ensuring zero interference or obstruction in uncovering the truth.

The fatalities materialized following apprehension operations targeting suspected illegal miners across the Wushishi and Lukoto sectors of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Umar Bago, the Governor of Niger State, subsequently verified that 37 suspected illegal miners lost their lives while under NSCDC detention, prompting comprehensive forensic evaluations and autopsies to determine exact mortality catalysts.

In parallel, the NSCDC established an internal panel to scrutinize detention duration, environmental conditions, and medical responses tied to the deceased suspects.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, previously announced the suspension of Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, alongside an independent inquiry mandate.

Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, confirmed that the Federal Government intends to shield no wrongdoers while advising the public against pre-empting official investigative findings.

Atiku Abubakar, a former Vice President and 2027 political contender, also voiced demands for a transparent, independent, and comprehensive probe into the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Governor Bago instituted a strict 24-hour curfew across Niger State following violent demonstrations and widespread asset destruction connected to public outrage over the deaths.

Vandalism targets during the unrest included state transport buses, a commercial bank branch, political headquarters, and private commercial enterprises.

Calling for public restraint, Tinubu assured grieving families and impacted communities that the central government remains dedicated to uncovering facts and dispensing fair justice based on solid 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,” he concluded.