President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full, fair, and just investigation into the deaths of some persons suspected of illegal mining who were detained by officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.
The persons were detained following a raid carried out by officials of the corps in the Estate area of Lieutenant General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi in Minna.
In a statement issued on Friday by the President's Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the life of every Nigerian is important, and no citizen should lose their life at the hands of the government as a result of negligence, abuse, or lack of care.
The President described the report of the deaths of the persons as a most terrible matter that requires urgent investigation and ensuring that appropriate measures are taken.
He said that although the government will continue to fight illegal mining and other crimes, security officials must carry out their duties in accordance with the law and respect the human rights and dignity of all those detained.
"The fact that these persons are accused of illegal mining does not take away their right to life, dignity, and humane treatment while they are in the custody of the government," Tinubu said.
He added that the government will not accept the deaths of citizens as a result of the negligence of officials or the failure of government workers to protect the lives of persons entrusted to them.
The President gave an order that any official whom the investigation establishes to have played a role in the deaths of the persons, whether through action, abuse, or negligence, should be arrested and brought before a court in accordance with the law.
Tinubu also said the investigation should be thorough and without interference, examining how the suspects were arrested, their health condition at the time they were detained, the condition of the place where they were detained, the number of people in the facility, the kind of medical care given to them, and the factors that led to their deaths.
He said the suspension of the officials accused is only an administrative measure, and that should not replace the investigation that will establish whether there is an offense for which officials should be prosecuted.
The President directed the Ministry of Interior and the leadership of the NSCDC to give all agencies conducting the investigation full cooperation, and to ensure that no official attempts to obstruct the investigation.
Tinubu also extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, praying that God will comfort them.
He called on the families and the affected communities to remain calm, assuring them that the federal government will pursue the truth of the matter and take appropriate action based on verified information.