News Investigators/ Ahmed Audi, Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has set up a panel to investigate the mysterious death of alleged illegal miners arrested in Niger state.
This is contained in a statement by the NSCDC Public Relations Officer (PRO), Babawale Afolabi, on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Niger state Commissioner of Police, Elleman Adamu, has also ordered the immediate commencement of investigation into the incident, according to a statement by the state Police Spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun.
Mr Afolabi confirmed that the suspects died while in custody after being arrested in parts of Niger state for illegal mining operations on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“The suspects were arrested during a coordinated operation by the Niger State Command in the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto axis as part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal mining and protect the nation’s natural resources,” he said.
He further said that following the development, Audi has directed the constitution of a high-powered investigative team to immediately look into the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident.
“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths.
“Including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.
According to Mr Afolabi, the remains of the deceased has been deposited at a General Hospital in Minna for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.
He added that the corps was also working with the relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.
“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” the spokesman said.
The PRO revealed that the CG further directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority.
Mr Audi said that necessary measures are also being taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the deceased.
The corps head extended his condolences to the families of the deceased while assuring them that the circumstances surrounding the incident will be thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed based on established facts.
“While the NSCDC remains resolute in its mandate to combat illegal mining and protect Nigeria’s critical national assets, the Corps also remains committed to upholding the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of every person in its custody,” he said.
He urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the investigative and medical processes to take its course.
“The Corps will provide further updates as verified information becomes available,” he assured.
NAN
