Life of every Nigerian matters- Tinubu

….Orders Probe Into Deaths Of Suspected Illegal Miners In NSCDC Custody

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State.

The President’s directive followed reports of deaths among suspects arrested during enforcement operations around the Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna.

Tinubu, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the life of every Nigerian mattered and warned that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

He expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, describing the development as a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

The President stressed that while the Federal Government would continue to tackle illegal mining and other criminal activities, enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of detainees.

He said the fact that the deceased were suspected of illegal mining did not deprive them of their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in custody.

“Government will not tolerate mass deaths arising from official negligence, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect the lives placed under their care,” Tinubu said.

He directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Tinubu also directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation covers the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees upon arrival, detention conditions, the number of people held at the facility, medical attention provided and events leading to the deaths.

The President warned that the suspension of officers must not be allowed to replace criminal investigation where evidence warrants prosecution.

“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,” he said.

He ordered the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with or frustrates the investigation.

Tinubu condoled with the families of the deceased and appealed for calm among affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would establish the truth 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,” the President said.