The Federal Government has pledged to ensure accountability if investigations establish that anyone was responsible for the deaths of suspected illegal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance on Friday while expressing the government’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of the deceased.
Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must first be established through a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation before responsibility could be determined.
He stressed that while no person found culpable would be protected, the government would not prejudge the outcome of the investigation.
The minister said the Federal Government considered the protection of citizens’ lives, dignity and fundamental rights a serious responsibility.
As part of the response, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, suspended the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the incident.
Idris said the action demonstrated the seriousness with which the government was treating the matter, adding that appropriate measures would be taken based on the findings of the investigation.
The deceased were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.
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Governor Umar Bago had confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody, while forensic examinations, medical checks and autopsies were being conducted to determine the cause of the deaths.
The NSCDC has also set up an investigative team to examine the circumstances of the incident, including the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, their detention period, the conditions in custody and the medical attention they received.
The Federal Government reiterated that its campaign against illegal mining would continue, but said enforcement agencies must operate within the law and respect human life and dignity.
Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability, urging that anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence should be held accountable.
The cause of the miners’ deaths has yet to be established.
Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and other parts of Niger State, urging residents to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.