The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has deployed a high-powered team to Niger State to investigate the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.
Alake announced the move while expressing condolences to the Niger State Government, the families of the deceased and communities affected by the incident.
The minister said the investigation team would work to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and provide clarity on what happened while the suspects were in custody.
The development follows the deaths of suspected illegal miners who were arrested during enforcement operations carried out by the NSCDC in parts of Niger State. The suspects were reportedly arrested around the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining activities.
Alake said a transparent and independent inquiry was necessary to determine the facts of the incident, establish accountability where necessary and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
He said the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development would collaborate with other relevant agencies involved in the investigation to ensure that the circumstances surrounding the deaths were properly examined.
The deaths have generated public concern, leading to calls for investigations by government authorities and other stakeholders. Niger State authorities have also announced their own inquiry, while security agencies have initiated separate investigations into the incident.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps had earlier confirmed the deaths and set up an investigative team to examine issues surrounding the arrests, the condition of the detainees, the period they spent in custody, the detention conditions and the medical attention provided.
Authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion on the cause of the deaths. While initial statements referenced a suspected disease outbreak, officials have said medical and laboratory investigations are required before any cause can be confirmed.
The Niger State Government has also taken steps including forensic examinations and autopsies to help determine what happened. The state has said the findings of the investigations will guide further action.
The latest probe adds to growing efforts by government institutions to establish the facts surrounding the deaths and address concerns over the treatment of people held in custody.
Alake said the investigation team would submit a comprehensive report after completing its assignment, adding that the findings would help strengthen accountability and improve procedures where necessary.
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