The Federal Government has ordered a thorough investigation into the deaths of persons arrested during enforcement operations against suspected illegal mining activities in the Wushishi/Lukoto axis of Niger State.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, saying the government had taken immediate steps to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Idris said the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, had ordered the suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, and directed a full investigation into the matter.

He said the government considered the protection of the lives, dignity and fundamental rights of Nigerians a solemn responsibility, adding that the circumstances surrounding the deaths required a transparent and impartial investigation.

“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter. The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings,” Idris said.

The minister said the Federal Government remained committed to tackling illegal mining and other unlawful activities that threaten national security, the economy and the environment, but stressed that enforcement operations must be carried out within the law and with respect for human life and dignity.

“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation. The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served,” he said.

Idris expressed the Federal Government’s condolences to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the government and people of the state, traditional leaders and residents of Wushishi, particularly the families and loved ones of the deceased.

He appealed for calm in Wushishi and across Niger State, urging residents and other concerned parties to allow the investigation to proceed without interference.

The minister assured the affected families and the people of Niger State that the Federal Government shared in their grief and remained committed to establishing the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased and for strength and fortitude for their families, the Wushishi community and the people and government of Niger State.