Miners’ deaths: IG visits Niger, promises thorough police investigation

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has pledged a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State. Disu visited the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, where he expressed concern over the tragic incident, describing it as "very tragic" and pledging to leave no stone unturned in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The IGP emphasized that cases of death while in custody are serious and fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Police Force. He also appealed for calm among residents, warning them against taking the law into their own hands and promising intensified patrols to maintain law and order. The incident occurred when 67 miners were crowded into an NSCDC cell, resulting in the loss of 37 lives.

Survivors recounted the ordeal, and the state government had initiated forensic, medical, and autopsy examinations to determine the cause of the deaths. The Minister of Interior and President Bola Tinubu had ordered a full-scale investigation, with any responsible official facing arrest and prosecution. The NSCDC stated that the cause of the deaths had not been established, and medical and forensic investigations were ongoing.