Niger Miners’ Deaths: FG Promises Justice, Says Nobody Will Be Shielded

The federal government has vowed that anyone found responsible for the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State will face accountability.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, gave the assurance in a statement on Friday, while extending the government’s condolences to the Niger State Government, the Wushishi community and the families of the deceased.

The suspects were arrested during enforcement operations targeting illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of the state.

Idris said the circumstances surrounding the deaths must be subjected to a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation, noting that the government needed to establish the facts before determining responsibility.

“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 described the protection of Nigerians’ lives, dignity and fundamental rights as a solemn responsibility of the Federal Government.

He said measures had already been initiated to determine what led to 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 also directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted 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.

According to the minister, the Federal Government would continue to tackle illegal mining and other unlawful activities considered threats to national security, the economy and the environment.

He, however, stressed that such operations must comply with the law and uphold the dignity and sanctity of human life.

The deaths followed the arrest of the suspected illegal miners during NSCDC enforcement operations carried out in parts of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Governor Umar Bago later confirmed that 37 suspects died while in NSCDC custody, adding that forensic and medical examinations, including autopsies, were being conducted to determine the cause of death.

The NSCDC has also set up an investigative team to examine the condition of the suspects at the time of their arrest, their period in custody, the conditions under which they were detained and the medical care provided to them.

The cause of the deaths remains unknown.

Reacting to the incident, former Vice President and 2027 ADC presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called for accountability, 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” and urged that the investigation be independent, thorough and transparent.

Idris appealed to residents of Wushishi and other communities across Niger State to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

He also expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, assuring them that the Federal Government remained committed to uncovering the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

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