The Coalition of Civil Societies for Transparency and Accountability has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to investigate the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in Niger State.
The coalition said the outcome of the investigation should determine whether any individual or institution bears responsibility for the deaths.
Its National Coordinator, Bilal Galadima, made the position known in a statement issued on Sunday, urging stakeholders to wait for the findings of the probe before reaching conclusions on the incident.
The victims were among suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps during operations conducted in Niger State on September 15 and 16.
Their deaths have generated widespread concern and prompted calls from various groups for an independent investigation into what occurred while the suspects were in custody.
In response, the Federal Government suspended some NSCDC personnel linked to the incident and established a 10-member committee to investigate the matter.
The committee has been given two weeks to establish the identities of those who died, review how they were arrested and detained, determine the circumstances and cause of their deaths, and establish whether negligence or misconduct occurred.
The NSCDC had earlier disclosed that more than 50 suspected illegal miners were arrested around the Lt. Gen. Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi Housing Estate in Minna. The agency said the suspects were being processed when the deaths occurred.
However, the circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with the bodies undergoing autopsies and medical examinations.
Galadima said, “We sincerely sympathise with the families affected in the unfortunate incident where 37 persons suspected of illegal mining lost their lives while in NSCDC custody in Minna, Niger State.”
The coalition also reacted to calls for the removal of the NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Audi, saying investigators should first establish the chain of responsibility surrounding the operation.
It noted that the Niger State NSCDC Commandant reportedly said he did not notify Audi about the arrests.
The group stated, “It is therefore illogical to demand the sack of the Commandant-General for an operational lapse at a State Command that was not reported to him.”
It nevertheless stressed that its support for the investigation should not be viewed as an attempt to protect anyone found culpable.
“Instead of this distraction, we call on Dantani and all well-meaning Nigerians to allow the rule of law to take its full course as we await the outcome of the investigations into this unfortunate incident,” it said.
The coalition also urged Nigerians and relevant authorities to allow the committee to complete its work.
“Whoever is found culpable should face the full wrath of the law,” the coalition said.
The incident has also raised concerns about the treatment of detainees and the need for stronger safeguards in security facilities. The National Human Rights Commission has separately called for a forensic autopsy and preservation of evidence in the case.
The Federal Government has said the investigation will determine whether there was negligence, misconduct or other forms of responsibility and recommend appropriate action, including possible compensation and measures to prevent similar incidents.
