The Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability has expressed support for the Federal Government's investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State. The group, in a statement, said anyone found culpable should face the full weight of the law. The deaths occurred after dozens of people suspected of illegal mining were arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps during operations in Niger State on September 15 and 16.
The incident has triggered public outrage, protests and calls for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The Federal Government has since suspended officers linked to the incident and constituted a 10-member independent committee to establish the identities of the deceased, examine their arrest and detention, determine the cause and circumstances of their deaths and identify any responsibility, negligence or misconduct. The committee has two weeks to submit its report.
According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, more than 50 suspected illegal miners were arrested during the operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna, while profiling and documentation of the suspects were ongoing when the deaths occurred. The cause of death has not been conclusively established. The bodies were taken for medical examination and autopsies, while different accounts have emerged over the circumstances of the deaths.
The National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability, Bilal Galadima, said the call for accountability should be guided by the findings of the ongoing investigation rather than premature conclusions. The group sympathized with the families affected in the incident and urged stakeholders to allow the investigations already ordered by the Federal Government to establish the facts of the case.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant had indicated that he did not inform the Commandant-General about the arrest of the alleged illegal miners. The group said this development underscored the need for investigators to establish how the operation was conducted, who had responsibility for the detainees and whether established procedures were followed. It stated that it is illogical to demand the sack of the Commandant-General for an operational lapse at a State Command that was not reported to him.
The coalition, however, said its position should not be interpreted as an attempt to shield anyone found responsible. The group urged government agencies and other stakeholders to remain calm while the probe committee carries out its assignment. The National Human Rights Commission has called for an independent forensic autopsy and preservation of evidence, while stressing that suspects retain their constitutional rights to life and dignity while in custody.
The incident has further drawn attention to the government’s campaign against illegal mining, which authorities have linked to environmental degradation and, in some parts of the country, insecurity and illicit financial networks. The Federal Government has said the probe will determine responsibility, complicity, negligence and misconduct, and recommend appropriate action, including compensation where applicable and measures to prevent a recurrence.
Key points
- The Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability supports the investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
- The Federal Government has constituted a 10-member independent committee to investigate the incident.
- The incident has drawn attention to the government’s campaign against illegal mining.
