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

The victims were reportedly among suspects arrested during enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna. According to the NSCDC, several detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following a suspected disease outbreak.

Following the incident, the Federal Government suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant and directed an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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

The President stressed that every Nigerian has a right to life and humane treatment, regardless of the allegations against them.

He said the fact that the detainees were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their rights to dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.

Tinubu directed investigators to examine the circumstances of the arrests, the physical condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions at the detention facility, the number of persons held there, the medical attention provided and the events that preceded the deaths.

He further ordered the Federal Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that no officer interferes with the process.

The President also clarified that the suspension of officers was only an administrative measure and would not prevent criminal prosecution if the investigation establishes evidence of negligence, abuse or other wrongdoing.

He said any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action or negligence must face the law.

Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm, stressing that the government must enforce the law while equally ensuring that its enforcement agencies operate within the law.

“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.”