Tinubu orders probe into deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger
NSCDC
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu on Friday ordered a comprehensive 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.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President emphasised that “the life of every Nigerian matters” and that the government “will not tolerate mass deaths caused by official negligence.”
Tinubu directed authorities to examine the full circumstances of the arrests, the condition of the detainees upon being taken into custody, detention conditions, overcrowding, medical care provided, and the events leading to the deaths.
He stressed that any official found responsible through action, abuse, or negligence must face arrest and prosecution.
“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 added that suspension of officers is only an administrative step and cannot replace determination of criminal responsibility where evidence warrants it.
The President extended condolences to the families of the deceased and appealed for calm, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth 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,” he stated.
The miners were arrested during NSCDC enforcement operations against illegal mining activities around the Lt Gen Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate and Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16, 2026.
They were found dead in detention on Thursday.
The NSCDC initially suggested a possible disease outbreak, including reports of diphtheria, but intelligence and survivour accounts pointed to severe overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate conditions in the facility.
Niger State Governor Umaru Bago confirmed the deaths and said the state NSCDC commandant had been suspended.
Protests erupted in Minna, with reports of security forces responding and a curfew imposed in parts of the city.
Multiple investigations were already underway by the police, NSCDC, and state authorities before the President’s directive.
The Minister of Interior had earlier ordered the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC commandant pending a full probe, while the Federal Government reiterated that no one found culpable would be shielded.
