Niger miners death: Tamper with evidence, be dealt with – FG warns NSCDC, others

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, cautioned the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, and other relevant authorities against altering material evidence concerning the 37 miners' death in Niger State. In Minna, Tunji-Ojo issued the stern warning during the inauguration of an investigative committee to probe the incident.

The miners perished while held in custody by NSCDC following a crackdown on illegal mining around Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Estate. Following the tragedy, the federal government established a 10-member committee to investigate the miners' death. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that he had directed NSCDC to cooperate with the committee and preserve all reports and evidence.

He sternly warned that anyone attempting to destroy or conceal evidence, intimidate witnesses, or impede the investigation would face serious consequences. The minister pledged the government's commitment to the truth and assured Nigerians that it would not shield any officer or individual found culpable. He appealed for calm and patience from the bereaved families, promising that the government would not abandon them.