President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State.

The President also directed that any officials found to have contributed to the deaths through abuse, negligence or dereliction of duty should be arrested and prosecuted.

In a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

He said the fact that the victims were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while 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,” Tinubu said.

The President directed that the investigation examine the circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu further warned that the suspension of officials must not replace the determination of possible criminal responsibility.

“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 stated.

The deaths reportedly occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Governor Umar Bago subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody, with forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, being conducted to establish the cause of death.

The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and ordered a full investigation.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said anyone found culpable would not be shielded, while cautioning against reaching conclusions before the investigation is completed.

Former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, also called for an independent and transparent investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew in Niger State following protests and reported destruction of property linked to the deaths.

The governor said the State Transport Company’s buses, a Sterling Bank branch, political party offices and private businesses were vandalised during the unrest.

Tinubu 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,” he said.