President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full and transparent investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.
The directive was contained in a statement issued on Friday, September 18, 2026, by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
President Tinubu expressed deep concern over the reported deaths, stressing that every Nigerian has a right to life and must be treated with dignity and humanity while in government custody.
According to the President, the Federal Government will continue to tackle illegal mining and other criminal activities, but such enforcement must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the fundamental rights of individuals in custody.
“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody,” the President said.
He warned that the government would not tolerate deaths arising from official negligence, abuse, dereliction of duty or failure by public officials to protect persons placed under their care.
Tinubu further directed that any official found, through the investigation, to have contributed to the deaths by action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
“There must be accountability,” the President said.
He directed the relevant authorities to ensure that the investigation is comprehensive, transparent and unhindered, covering the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees upon arrival, the conditions in which they were held, the number of persons detained, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.
The President also made clear that the suspension of officers involved in the matter would not be sufficient where evidence establishes criminal responsibility.
“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.
Tinubu directed the Ministry of Interior and the NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities and ensure that no officer interferes with or frustrates the investigation.
While extending his condolences to the families of the deceased, the President appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.
He emphasised that the enforcement of laws must itself remain within the bounds of the law.
“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,” President Tinubu said.
