Tinubu Blows Hot, Orders Probe Into Miners’ Deaths 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 following enforcement operations in Minna, Niger State.
The President gave the directive on Friday, expressing concern over the reported deaths and insisting that no Nigerian should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The directive followed the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.
Tinubu said the development was a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability, stressing that the government’s campaign against illegal mining and other criminal activities must be conducted within the law and with full respect for the rights and dignity of persons in custody.
“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.
He stressed that being suspected of illegal mining did not deprive the detainees of their right to life and humane treatment.
“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,” Tinubu said.
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The President directed that any official found, on the basis of evidence, to have contributed to the deaths through unlawful action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also directed relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation was comprehensive, transparent and unhindered.
According to the President, the probe should establish the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that led to their deaths.
Tinubu further clarified that the suspension of officials involved in the matter would not replace the determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warranted prosecution.
“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,” he said.
He directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no official interfered with the process or attempted to frustrate efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The President extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among the affected families and communities.
He assured 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,” Tinubu said.
The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, and dated September 18, 2026.
By PRNigeria
