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 President gave the directive on Friday following the deaths of detainees arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.

Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian mattered and that no citizen should lose his life while in government custody as a result of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

He described the deaths as a grave development requiring urgent investigation and accountability, stressing that the government’s efforts to combat illegal mining must be carried out within the law and with respect for the rights and dignity of detainees.

The President said being suspected of illegal mining did not deprive the detainees of their right to life and humane treatment while in custody.

He directed investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions in which they were held, the number of people detained at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

Tinubu also directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted where the evidence establishes criminal responsibility.

He said the suspension of officers was only an administrative measure and should not replace a proper determination of criminal responsibility where prosecution was warranted.

The directive followed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who was ordered to report to the corps’ national headquarters as part of an investigation into the incident. The NSCDC also constituted an inquiry panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The actual cause of the deaths has not been conclusively established. The bodies were deposited at General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination, while authorities continue investigations into the incident.

The deaths have also triggered protests in Minna, with authorities appealing for calm as investigations continue.

Tinubu directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no official interfered with the process.

He extended his condolences to the families of the deceased and urged affected families and communities to remain calm, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.

The President said the government must enforce the law firmly while also ensuring that its officials obey the law and protect the lives of people in its custody.