The Niger State Police Command has launched an investigation into the deaths of 33 suspected illegal miners who were being held at a detention facility operated by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in the state.
The investigation was ordered by the state Commissioner of Police, Adamu Elleman, following the discovery of the detainees’ bodies in the early hours of Thursday, September 17.
The police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday in Minna, saying the directive was aimed at determining what led to the deaths.
Abiodun said the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Minna, had been directed to take charge of the probe and establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“The CP has directed the DCP, SCID Minna to take charge of the investigation so as to unravel the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate incident,” the statement said.
The command appealed to relatives of the deceased and members of the public who may have useful information about the incident to assist investigators.
According to the police, anyone with credible information is encouraged to approach the SCID in Minna and provide details that could help establish what happened to the detainees.
Elleman also urged residents, family members and acquaintances of the victims to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation.
He assured the public that the command would thoroughly investigate the deaths and determine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The commissioner further stressed the importance of protecting the rights of people in custody, saying the police command remained committed to upholding human rights provisions in the discharge of its responsibilities.
He also said accountability remained a key part of the responsibilities of law enforcement agencies.
The 33 victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested and detained by the NSCDC Niger State Command. Their deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17, prompting the police intervention.
The command did not disclose in the statement the identities of the deceased, the suspected cause of death or whether any arrests had been made in connection with the incident.
The police investigation is expected to establish the events leading to the deaths and determine whether any criminal or administrative responsibility arises from the incident.
