A high-powered Federal Government delegation on Friday visited Minna, Niger State, to commiserate with the state government and families of suspected illegal miners who died while in custody following their arrest during a recent anti-illegal mining operation.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, included the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, and heads of agencies under the Ministry of Interior.
The delegation was received by the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, and senior officials of the state government.
The visit followed the deaths of detained suspects in NSCDC custody, an incident that has prompted investigations to establish the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and determine whether any breaches of duty or procedure occurred.
Speaking during the visit, Governor Bago expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its prompt intervention and condolence visit, as well as the measures being taken to establish what transpired.
The governor also acknowledged steps already initiated by the NSCDC leadership, including the deployment of a high-level team to support the investigation into the incident.
The Federal Government delegation conveyed condolences to Governor Bago, the Niger State Government and the bereaved families, while also receiving additional information and perspectives from the state government concerning the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
The NSCDC, in a statement signed by Babawale Afolabi, Assistant Commandant of Corps and National Public Relations Officer said its leadership remained committed to ensuring that the investigation was thorough and conclusive, stressing that the Corps would provide the necessary institutional support to establish all relevant facts.
The Corps said the investigation would be conducted in line with due process, extant laws and applicable regulations.
According to the NSCDC, where the investigation establishes any breach of duty or responsibility, appropriate action would be taken in accordance with the law and established procedures.
The Corps expressed sympathy to the families of the deceased and the people and government of Niger State, describing the incident as a difficult and deeply regrettable development.
It also reiterated its commitment to professionalism, accountability and the humane treatment of persons in its custody.
The NSCDC stressed that respect for human dignity remained a fundamental principle in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, particularly in the handling and detention of persons arrested in connection with alleged offences.
The deaths occurred after suspected illegal miners were arrested during an operation in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State. The circumstances surrounding the fatalities have generated public concern, with calls for a transparent investigation into the conditions under which the suspects were detained.
The Federal Government’s visit is expected to complement ongoing efforts to establish the immediate and underlying causes of the incident and determine whether there were any lapses in the handling of the detainees.
The NSCDC said it would make the necessary institutional contributions to the investigation and take appropriate steps based on its findings.
