Interior Minister, tunji-Ojo

By Isiaka Mustapha. Editor-in-Chief, People’s Security Monitor

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has vowed to suspend officers of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) found culpable in the alleged destruction of evidence relating to the deaths of miners in the corps’ custody in Minna, Niger State.

Tunji-Ojo gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the report of the independent ministerial committee set up to investigate the incident, which claimed the lives of 33 persons, according to the committee.

The minister commended the committee, chaired by retired Deputy Director General of the Department of State Services, Jonathan Kure, for completing its assignment. He said the report would be forwarded to the Attorney General of the Federation and other relevant agencies for further investigation and appropriate action.

He assured Nigerians that the Federal Government would ensure justice for the victims and accountability for anyone found responsible for the tragedy.

“I want to assure Nigerians that this government and administration will never leave you to insecurity. We’ll never let you walk alone,” the minister said.

The committee identified overcrowding, poor detention conditions, failure to provide adequate care and inadequate supervision as major factors responsible for the deaths.

According to the panel, the victims died from environmental asphyxia following prolonged confinement in a severely overcrowded cell. The situation was reportedly worsened by excessive heat and dehydration.

The committee also discovered that the operation leading to the arrest of the suspected illegal miners was conducted without an operational order or approval from the NSCDC national headquarters, raising concerns about compliance with established procedures and operational oversight.

The minister’s warning signals possible disciplinary and legal consequences for personnel found to have violated established rules or compromised the investigation. The report is expected to guide further action by the relevant authorities as the government seeks to establish accountability for the deaths.