Niger miners’ deaths: No one culpable will be shielded, FG assures

The Federal Government has assured that nobody found culpable in the deaths of suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State will be shielded from accountability.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday while expressing the Federal Government’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of those who died.

The suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.

Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, stressing that the government’s responsibility was to establish the facts before determining culpability.

“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation.

“The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.

The minister said the Federal Government regarded the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians as a solemn responsibility.

He said immediate steps had already been taken to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths, following the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Tunji-Ojo had also ordered a full investigation into the incident.

“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter.

“The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” Idris said.

The Minister said the Federal Government remained committed to combating illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, the country’s economic resources and the environment.

He, however, said enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, subsequently confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody, with forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies being conducted to establish the cause of the deaths.

The NSCDC also constituted an investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.

The cause of the deaths has not been established.

Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has demanded accountability over the deaths, saying anyone found responsible through “action, abuse or negligence” should be held fully accountable.

Atiku said the families of the deceased deserved “the truth” and “justice”, while calling for the investigation to be independent, thorough and transparent.

Idris appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

He assured the families of the deceased and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shared in their grief and remained committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength for their families and the people of Niger State.