President Bola Ahmed 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 Niger State.
The detainees were arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and other locations in Minna between September 15 and 16.
Tinubu expressed concern over the deaths and directed that the circumstances surrounding the incident be thoroughly investigated.
President demands accountability
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said no Nigerian should die in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The President directed relevant authorities to establish what happened and determine responsibility.
The investigation comes amid public concern over the deaths and growing questions about conditions inside the NSCDC detention facility.
Interior Ministry orders separate investigation
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, also ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident.
The NSCDC Commandant General subsequently directed the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, to step aside and report to the national headquarters in Abuja to appear before the inquiry panel.
The move followed the minister’s demand for a “full-scale, transparent and unhindered investigation”.
Cause of deaths remains under investigation
The exact cause of the deaths has not been conclusively established.
Reuters reported that the NSCDC initially suggested a disease outbreak as a possible explanation but later said the precise cause remained unknown pending medical investigation.
The deaths have triggered protests in Minna, with authorities imposing a curfew following unrest.
The incident has also raised questions about the treatment of detainees and the conditions under which the suspected miners were held.
Survivor accounts emerge
A surviving detainee has alleged that a substance was sprayed inside an overcrowded cell shortly before people began collapsing.
The allegation has not been independently established and is part of the evidence that investigators will need to examine.
The government’s investigation will therefore be closely watched as authorities seek to establish the sequence of events, the cause of death and whether any officials or other persons should face disciplinary or criminal consequences.