“Government Must Obey The Law!” — Tinubu Reacts To Reported Deaths Of Detainees In NSCDC Custody

By Passman Akpos

ABUJA — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a full, transparent and unhindered investigation into the reported deaths of suspected illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) following enforcement operations around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, Niger State.

The President, in a statement issued on Friday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the reported deaths constitute a grave matter requiring urgent investigation and accountability.

Tinubu declared that the life of every Nigerian matters, stressing that no citizen should die in government custody because of negligence, abuse, inhumane treatment or dereliction of duty.

According to the President, the Federal Government will continue its fight against illegal mining and other criminal activities, but all enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with full respect for the dignity and fundamental rights of persons in custody.

«“The fact that these individuals were suspected of illegal mining does not in any way remove their right to life, dignity and humane treatment while in government custody.”»

The President warned that the government would not tolerate mass deaths resulting from official negligence or failure by public officials to protect people placed under their care.

Officials Could Face Prosecution

President Tinubu further directed that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence must face the full force of the law.

«“Where the investigation establishes that any official, through action, abuse or negligence, contributed to these deaths, such an officer must be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law. There must be accountability.”»

The investigation, according to the President, must examine the circumstances surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees when they were taken into custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the number of persons held at the facility, the medical attention provided and the events leading to their deaths.

Tinubu also made it clear that the suspension of officers must not be treated as the end of the matter.

«“The suspension of officers is only an administrative step and must not substitute for a proper determination of criminal responsibility where the evidence warrants prosecution.”»

NSCDC, Interior Ministry Ordered To Cooperate

The President directed the Ministry of Interior and NSCDC leadership to cooperate fully with all relevant investigative authorities.

He also ordered that no officer should interfere with the investigation or attempt to frustrate efforts to establish what actually happened.

The development comes amid concerns over the reported deaths of detainees following enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in Niger State.

President Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those who died and prayed for the repose of their souls.

He also appealed for calm among the affected families and communities, assuring them that the Federal Government would pursue the truth and take appropriate action based on credible evidence.

In a strong concluding warning, the President said:

«“We must never allow the pursuit of one form of illegality to create another. The government must enforce the law firmly, but it must also obey the law. The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable.”»

The statement was signed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, on September 18, 2026.