By Tunji Braimoh, Abuja

The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has visited Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, and assured that the police would leave no stone unturned in investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

Disu arrived at the Niger State Government House in Minna on Friday, where he said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to determine what led to the deaths.

The IGP said the police had a responsibility to investigate deaths that occur in custody, describing the incident involving the 37 suspected miners as tragic.

“I am here this afternoon because of the tragic incident where we lost the lives of 37 citizens of Minna and of this same great state. It is a very tragic incident, and we want to assure you, Your Excellency, that we will leave no stone unturned to unravel the situation that led to these deaths,” he said.

Disu said the police would collaborate with the NSCDC and the state government, which had constituted a committee to investigate the incident.

“Cases of death while in custody are very serious and fall within the responsibility of the Nigerian Police Force wherever they occur—most especially this case involving 37 victims,” the IGP said.

He also appealed to residents to remain calm, assuring them that the investigation would be conducted without compromise.

“We want to assure them to be calm, that we would not compromise in ensuring that the proper thing is done to unravel the cause of this incident,” he said.

Disu warned residents against taking the law into their own hands, adding that the police would intensify patrols across the towns to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

“So, I want to warn them not to take the law into their hands. We are going to ensure that we patrol the towns and ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order,” he said.

As part of his visit, the IGP also inspected the locations where the incident occurred.

The deaths sparked protests in Minna, following which Bago imposed a 24-hour curfew after protesters reportedly vandalised public and private property.

Bago had confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody and said the state government had commenced forensic and medical examinations, as well as autopsies, to determine the cause of the deaths.

The deaths occurred after enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities around the Wushishi-Lukoto axis of Niger State.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye.

President Bola Tinubu also ordered a full and transparent investigation, directing that any official found to have contributed to the deaths through action, abuse or negligence should be arrested and prosecuted.

The Federal Government has further assured that anyone found culpable would not be shielded.

The NSCDC has said the cause of the deaths has not yet been established, with medical and forensic examinations still ongoing.