The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, paid a visit to Niger State Governor Umar Bago and stated that the police would investigate the deaths of 37 alleged illegal miners in the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps’ custody.
Disu, who arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, stated that the police would collaborate with the NSCDC and the state government to determine what caused the deaths.
The IGP stated that the police had an obligation to investigate fatalities in prison, describing the episode with the 37 suspected miners as terrible.
“I am here this afternoon because of the tragic incident where we lost the lives of 37 citizens of Minna and of this same great state. It is a very tragic incident, and we want to assure you, Your Excellency, that we will leave no stone unturned to unravel the situation that led to these deaths,” he said.
Disu stated that the police would cooperate with the NSCDC and the state government, which had constituted a committee to investigate the incident.
“Cases of death while in custody are a very serious one and fall under the confines of the Nigerian Police Force wherever it happens, most especially these that have 37 victims,” the IGP said.
He also called for calm among residents, assuring them that the investigation would not be compromised.
“We want to assure them to be calm, that we would not compromise in ensuring that the proper thing is done to unravel the cause of this incident,” he said.
The IGP warned residents against taking the law into their hands, saying the police would intensify patrols to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
“So, I want to warn them not to take laws into their hands. We are going to ensure that we patrol the towns and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” he said.
During his visit to the state, the IGP also went to the scenes of the tragedy.
The murders spurred riots in Minna, causing Bago to impose a 24-hour curfew after protestors allegedly vandalized public and private property.
Bago stated that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and claimed the state administration was conducting forensic exams, medical examinations, and autopsies to determine the cause of the fatalities.
The killings occurred following enforcement operations against suspected unlawful mining along the Wushishi-Lukoto axis in Niger State.
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.
President Bola Tinubu also ordered a thorough and transparent investigation, ordering that any official whose actions, abuse, or incompetence were discovered to have contributed to the killings be arrested and charged.
The federal government has also promised that no one found guilty will be spared.
The NSCDC stated that the cause of death has not to be determined and that medical and forensic investigations were ongoing.
