The Amalgamated Civil Society Groups of Nigeria (ACSN) has expressed concern over the unfortunate death of illegal miners recently arrested by operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
In a statement signed by its Convener, Comrade Wale Adegoke and Secretary, Comrade Musa Abdullahi, the group said there is enough blame to go around when it comes to the persistent challenge of illegal mining and its associated criminal activities in Nigeria over the years.
“The arrest of illegal miners by security agencies is not unusual, given the enormous security and economic consequences of illegal mining across the country. What is, however, deeply concerning and unusual in this particular case is the reported death in custody of 37 of the illegal miners arrested in Niger State, an incident that demands a thorough, transparent and impartial investigation,” the group said.
The ACSN commended the prompt response of the Commandant General of the NSCDC, Professor Ahmed Audi, and the leadership of the Corps in handling the unfortunate incident, saying the steps taken so far demonstrate a commitment to transparency, accountability and institutional responsibility.
“The decision to suspend the Niger State Commandant of the Corps under whose jurisdiction the incident occurred is, in our view, a necessary administrative step to facilitate an unhindered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. It is important that anyone found culpable, whether through negligence, dereliction of duty or any other form of misconduct, should be held accountable in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
According to the group, the timely intervention of the Commandant General demonstrates a new sense of order, discipline and accountability within the Corps.
“It sends a clear message that no officer, irrespective of rank or position, should compromise professional standards or neglect official responsibilities without consequences,” ACSN said.
The group also acknowledged efforts by the NSCDC leadership to strengthen operational capacity across the country.
“It is also important to acknowledge that, under the leadership of CG Ahmed Audi, significant efforts have been made to strengthen the operational capacity of the NSCDC across the country. In Niger State, for instance, the Corps recently facilitated the provision of a new headquarters for the state command to improve operational effectiveness, efficiency and productivity,” it said.
The group noted that the Executive Governor of Niger State, Farmer Umaru Bago, disclosed that the illegal miners were arrested around the urban settlement of General Muhammadu Inuwa Wushishi Estate in Minna, the state capital.
“This clarification is significant because it differs from earlier reports and speculation suggesting that the miners were arrested in a forest location,” the group stated.
ACSN said the circumstances surrounding illegal mining in Niger State deserve broader examination, stressing that without cooperation or possible connivance of certain individuals and networks, it would be difficult for illegal mining to continue on the scale witnessed.
“The illegal mining challenge bears similarities to the persistent problem of illegal bunkering and crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. Over the years, security and law-enforcement agencies, including the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Police Force, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the NSCDC, have undertaken operations against various forms of illegal economic activities,” it said.
The group warned against politicizing the incident.
“It is therefore unfortunate when an incident involving the death of illegal miners is reduced to political rhetoric or exploited for partisan purposes. The death of human beings is a serious matter that deserves compassion, responsibility and a commitment to uncovering the truth. It should not become an avenue for political grandstanding or the pursuit of cheap political relevance,” ACSN said.
It expressed concern over attempts to overlook broader efforts by the Federal Government to address illegal mining, including the establishment and deployment of Mining Marshals.
“While every allegation surrounding the Niger State incident must be properly investigated, those making public accusations should equally allow the relevant investigative authorities to establish the facts. Premature conclusions and politically charged narratives could undermine the integrity of the investigation,” the group said.
“We therefore call on all stakeholders, including civil society organisations, political actors, traditional institutions, security agencies and members of the public, to allow the investigative process to run its course. Any officer or individual found to have acted negligently or unlawfully should face appropriate disciplinary or legal consequences,” ACSN added.
The group said it strongly supports the committee empanelled by the Federal Government to investigate the incident and welcomes the directive issued by the Commandant General to officers and men of the Corps to remain professional, disciplined and accountable in the discharge of their duties.
It also commended the leadership of the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and the NSCDC for their respective efforts.
“The lesson from the Niger State incident must be clear: every life matters, every public officer must be accountable, and every security institution must operate within the highest standards of professionalism and responsibility,” the statement said.
The ACSN urged the NSCDC leadership to remain focused on institutional reforms, strengthen internal accountability mechanisms and ensure that the outcome of the investigation is made known to the Nigerian public in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.