President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the prosecution of any government official found culpable in the deaths of suspected illegal miners who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State.

The President said accountability remained paramount in the administration of justice, stressing that no Nigerian should die in government custody as a result of negligence.

The directive followed the deaths of 37 suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations against illegal mining activities in Niger State.

The incident, which occurred while the suspects were being held in NSCDC custody, has prompted investigations by both the Federal Government and the Niger State Government.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the deaths and suspended the Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, pending the outcome of the probe.

The NSCDC Commandant-General, Professor Ahmed Audi, also directed the suspended commandant to report to the corps' national headquarters in Abuja to appear before the investigative panel.

Other senior officers responsible for operations, mining, legal affairs, intelligence and investigations in the Niger State Command were similarly directed to appear before the panel.

The NSCDC said officers found to have violated the law, operational procedures or professional standards would face appropriate administrative, disciplinary or criminal action.

Meanwhile, the Niger State Government has constituted a committee of inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The committee is expected to establish what happened to the detainees and identify any lapses or misconduct that may have contributed to the incident.

Forensic examinations and autopsies are also expected to help determine the precise cause of death.

The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation, with different accounts emerging. Authorities have indicated that a possible disease outbreak was being considered, while reports from a surviving detainee raised concerns about overcrowding and poor ventilation at the detention facility.

The incident has generated public concern and protests in Minna, with demonstrators demanding transparency and accountability.

President Tinubu's directive underscores the Federal Government's position that officials entrusted with the custody of suspects must be held accountable for their welfare and safety.

The ongoing investigations are expected to determine whether negligence, violations of detention procedures or other factors contributed to the deaths and whether criminal liability should be established against any officials involved.