Miners’ Deaths: IGP Disu visits Niger, vows to uncover what happened to 37 suspects

Inspector General of Police Olatunji Disu has visited Niger State as part of efforts to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps.

Disu, who met with Governor Umar Bago at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

The IGP described the incident as a tragedy and stressed that deaths that occur in custody are within the scope of investigation by the Nigerian Police.

“I am here this afternoon because of a tragic incident in which we lost the lives of 37 citizens of Minna and this great state. This is a very tragic incident, and we want to assure you, Your Excellency, that we will leave no stone unturned to bring to light the circumstances that led to these deaths,” he said.

Disu said the police would cooperate with the NSCDC and the committee set up by the Niger State Government to investigate the incident.

He emphasized the seriousness of this case, considering the number of people who died while in detention.

“Cases of deaths in custody are very serious cases, and fall under the jurisdiction of the Nigerian Police wherever they occur—especially those with 37 victims,” the IGP said.

Also read: Tinubu Orders Investigation and Prosecution of Officials Over Death of 37 Miners in NSCDC Custody

The National Police Chief also appealed to citizens to remain calm during the ongoing investigation, and assured them that investigators would maintain their independence and integrity.

“We want to reassure them of calm, that we will not compromise in ensuring appropriate action is taken to uncover the cause of this incident,” he said.

Disu further warned residents not to respond to the incident with violence or taking the law into their own hands.

He said police would increase patrols across the affected areas to prevent further unrest and protect lives and property.

“So, I want to warn them not to take matters into their own hands. We will ensure that we patrol the cities and ensure there is no breach of law and order,” he said.

During his visit, the IGP also visited locations related to the incident.

The deaths have sparked protests in Minna, with reports of damage to public and private property.

Following the riots, Governor Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew across the state.

The governor had earlier confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and revealed that forensic examinations, medical examinations and autopsies had begun to determine the cause of the deaths.

The incident occurred after security forces carried out enforcement operations against alleged illegal mining activities around the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Niger State.

These developments have drawn investigations at the state and federal level.

The Minister of Home Affairs, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a full-scale investigation and suspended the Commander of the Niger State NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the investigation.

President Bola Tinubu then ordered that a full and transparent investigation be conducted, with instructions that any official whose actions, abuses or omissions led to the deaths should be arrested and prosecuted.

The Federal Government has also stated that anyone found guilty will have no protection under the law.

Meanwhile, NSCDC stated that the exact cause of death was not yet known, as medical and forensic examinations were continuing.

The police investigation is expected to complement the ongoing investigations by the state government, NSCDC and other relevant authorities.