Tinubu Orders Full Investigation Into Deaths of Suspected Illegal Miners in Niger
Reported By Facthabournews
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
The President gave the directive on Friday, September 18, 2026, expressing concern over the reported deaths and stressing that the life and dignity of every Nigerian must be protected, including individuals held in government custody.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu said no citizen should lose his or her life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The President described the reported deaths as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.
Tinubu maintained that while the Federal Government would continue its efforts to combat illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be conducted in accordance with the law and with respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of persons taken into custody.
He stressed that suspicion of involvement in illegal mining does not remove an individual’s right to life or 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,” the President said.
He added that the government would not tolerate deaths resulting from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.
Tinubu further directed that any official found, following investigation, to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“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.
The President directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and free from interference.
The investigation is expected to examine several aspects of the incident, including the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were detained, the number of people held at the facility, the medical attention provided to them and the events that preceded their deaths.
Tinubu also clarified that the suspension of officers, where applicable, should not be regarded as a substitute for determining whether criminal responsibility exists.
“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,” the President said.
He consequently directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities.
The President also warned against any attempt by officials to interfere with the investigation or frustrate efforts to establish what happened to the detainees.
The development comes amid continuing government efforts to tackle illegal mining and other activities considered harmful to national security and the economy. The President’s statement made clear, however, that enforcement of these laws must itself remain within the boundaries of the law.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the repose of their souls.
He also appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would seek to establish the facts 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 investigation is therefore expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether any official conduct, negligence or other factors contributed to the incident. Any further action, according to the President’s directive, is to be based on the findings and evidence produced through the investigation.
