FG Assures Justice as Investigation Begins Into Deaths of 37 Suspected Miners

Federal Government has assured the families of 37 suspected illegal miners who died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State that the circumstances surrounding the deaths will be thoroughly investigated.

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

The 37 men were among suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations conducted by the NSCDC around the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Niger State on September 15 and 16.

Their deaths have raised questions over what happened during their period in custody, with authorities now investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Idris said the government would not shield anyone found culpable after the facts had been established.

He stressed that responsibility must be determined through a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation rather than through speculation.

The minister said protecting the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians remained a major responsibility of government.

The development followed the suspension of the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as authorities moved to establish what led to the deaths.

The NSCDC has also constituted an investigative team to examine several aspects of the incident, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their treatment while in custody, the conditions of their detention and the medical attention they received.

Niger State Governor Umar Bago had confirmed the death of 37 suspected illegal miners in NSCDC custody and said forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies were being conducted to determine the cause of death.

As of Friday, the cause of the deaths had not been conclusively established.

The Federal Government also reaffirmed its commitment to tackling illegal mining, which it said poses risks to the nation's economy, environment and national security.

Idris, however, stressed that efforts to enforce the law must be carried out within the bounds of the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

Meanwhile, former Vice President and 2027 presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has called for accountability over the deaths.

Atiku urged authorities to ensure that the investigation is independent, thorough and transparent, saying the families of the deceased deserved to know what happened to their relatives.

He also called for anyone found responsible through action, abuse or negligence to be held accountable.

The Federal Government has appealed for calm in Wushishi and other parts of Niger State, urging residents and other stakeholders to allow the investigations to proceed without interference.

For the families of the deceased, however, the investigations now carry a crucial responsibility — to establish what happened to the 37 men, determine the cause of their deaths and ensure that any proven responsibility is addressed according to the law.