The Niger State Police Command has taken control of the scene where 37 artisanal miners lost their lives while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Minna, officially opening an investigation into the incident.
The move follows a direct order from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Disu, who called for a thorough probe to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities and ensure accountability, transparency, and the protection of constitutional rights.
In response, the Commissioner of Police for Niger State, CP Adamu Elleman, dispatched Operation Flush patrol teams to secure and cordon off the site. Simultaneously, the Deputy Commissioner of Police overseeing the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Minna has launched preliminary forensic work to establish the facts.
Police officials emphasized that the inquiry will be carried out diligently and professionally. CP Elleman sought to reassure the families of the victims and the broader public that the command will handle the case strictly in accordance with due process and the law.
He urged members of the community to remain calm and cooperative, promising that all findings will be dealt with appropriately.
The investigation comes as the NSCDC paraded its suspended Niger State Commandant, Commandant Suberu Aniviye, along with other personnel linked to the tragedy.
The parading took place at the NSCDC National Headquarters in Sauka, Abuja, where National Public Relations Officer Assistant Commandant Babawale Afolabi briefed reporters on the corps’ internal findings regarding the 37 deaths.
