ABUJA: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The President also directed that any government official found to have contributed to the deaths through negligence, abuse or other unlawful conduct should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The directive was disclosed on Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement issued on behalf of the Presidency.
At least 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly died while in detention following enforcement operations in Niger State, a development that triggered protests and led the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu said no Nigerian should lose their life while in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.
The President said the Federal Government would continue its campaign against illegal mining and other criminal activities but stressed that enforcement operations must be conducted within the law and with respect for the fundamental rights and dignity of people in custody.
He said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not remove their right to life or humane treatment.
According to the Presidency, Tinubu said government would not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.
Tinubu directed the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The investigation is expected to examine how the suspects were arrested, their physical condition when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were detained and the number of people held at the facility.
Investigators are also expected to establish what medical attention was provided to the detainees and the events that preceded their deaths.
The President ordered the investigation to be conducted transparently and without interference.
He further directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with the investigative authorities and ensure that no officer attempts to frustrate the process or conceal relevant information.
The President made clear that the suspension of officers involved in the matter would not be regarded as a substitute for determining possible criminal responsibility.
He said where the investigation establishes that an official contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence, the individual should be arrested and prosecuted.
Tinubu also stressed that government must enforce the law while equally obeying the law.
The President said the pursuit of illegal mining must not result in another violation of the law or the rights of citizens.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those who died and appealed for calm among affected families and communities.
He assured them that the Federal Government would pursue the facts surrounding the incident and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
The deaths had generated anger in Niger State, where authorities responded to the unrest with a 24-hour curfew.
The presidential directive now places emphasis on establishing the circumstances surrounding the deaths, identifying any individual responsibility and ensuring that appropriate legal action follows if wrongdoing is established.
The State House statement was signed by Onanuga on September 18, 2026.
