An investigation has begun into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, Niger State. The Independent Committee of Inquiry, established to probe the incident, has commenced its investigation and adopted a work plan to guide its inquiry. The committee will visit relevant sites, engage with government agencies, and interview survivors, suspects, and other persons with material knowledge of the incident.
The 37 suspected illegal miners died during enforcement operations around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of Minna, Niger State, on September 15 and 16. Initially, the deaths were reported as 33, but the Niger State Government later confirmed that 37 people had died. The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Audi, has assured that the Corps will not shield anyone found culpable in the deaths and will prioritize justice and transparency in its response to the incident.
The committee's secretary, Isa Chiroma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stated that the committee's medical team has already begun work to determine the cause, mechanism, and manner of the deaths. The committee has also appealed to members of the public to support its work and has resolved to invite memoranda from interested individuals and organizations. Details regarding the submission of memoranda will be communicated in due course.
Ahmed Audi paid a condolence and courtesy visit to the Emir of Minna, Umar Bahago, the families of the deceased, and the family of the survivors. He assured that justice would be done and that no official found culpable would escape justice. Audi also disclosed that the Federal Government had constituted a high-powered investigative committee to probe the incident, and the NSCDC is fully cooperating with the committee.
Relevant personnel have already been placed in protective custody to make them available for the investigation. Audi explained that his visit was also to join Muslim faithful in observing the third and seventh-day prayers for the deceased. The prayers were significant for seeking the repose of the soul of the deceased and strength for the bereaved families.
The Emir of Minna expressed appreciation to the Commandant General for his visit and the administrative steps taken following the incident. He also commended the NSCDC for cooperating with the Presidential Investigative Committee and for personally identifying with the community during the period of mourning. The NSCDC is working to ensure that those responsible for the deaths are held accountable.
The investigation aims to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 37 suspected illegal miners. The committee's findings will be made public, and those found culpable will face justice. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of suspects in custody and the need for greater transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.
Key points
- The Nigerian government has launched an investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody.
- The NSCDC Commandant General has assured that those responsible for the deaths will be held accountable.
- A high-powered investigative committee has been established to probe the incident, and the NSCDC is cooperating fully with the committee.
