The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, says the Nigeria Police Force will conduct a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
Disu gave the assurance during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna.
He said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
“Cases of deaths while in custody are very serious and fall under the confines of the Nigeria Police Force,” the IGP said.
Disu added that police had secured the scene to preserve evidence and prevent anyone from interfering with the investigation.
He urged residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that due process would be followed.
Governor Bago commended the IGP for visiting the state and praised security agencies for their response to the incident.
The governor also announced the suspension of mining activities across Niger State pending the outcome of the investigation.
He said the state government would provide the police and other security agencies with relevant information to support the investigation.
