Miners’ deaths: IG visits Niger, promises thorough police investigation

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited Niger State Governor Umar Bago and vowed that the police would leave no stone unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu, who arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to establish what led to the deaths.

The IGP said the police had a responsibility to investigate deaths in custody, describing the incident involving the 37 suspected miners as tragic.

“I am here this afternoon because of the tragic incident where we lost the lives of 37 citizens of Minna and of this same great state. It is a very tragic incident, and we want to assure you, Your Excellency, that we will leave no stone unturned to unravel the situation that led to these deaths,” he said.

Disu said the police would cooperate with the NSCDC and the state government, which had constituted a committee to investigate the incident.

“Cases of death while in custody is a very serious one, and falls under the confines of the Nigerian Police Force wherever it happens—most especially these that have 37 victims,” the IGP said.

He also appealed for calm among residents, assuring them that the investigation would not be compromised.

“We want to assure them to be calm, that we would not compromise in ensuring that the proper thing is done to unravel the cause of this incident,” he said.

Disu warned residents against taking the law into their hands, saying the police would intensify patrols to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“So, I want to warn them not to take laws into their hands. We are going to ensure that we patrol the towns and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” he said.

The IGP also visited the scenes where the incident occurred as part of his visit to the state.

The deaths had sparked protests in Minna, prompting Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew after protesters reportedly vandalised public and private property.

Bago had confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and said the state government had commenced forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies to establish the cause of the deaths.

The deaths followed enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining around the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

President Bola Tinubu also ordered a full and transparent investigation, directing that any official whose action, abuse or negligence was found to have contributed to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted.

The Federal Government has also assured that nobody found culpable would be shielded.

The NSCDC had said the cause of the deaths had not been established, with medical and forensic examinations ongoing.