The Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, has reaffirmed the determination of the Nigeria Police Force to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths of 37 artisanal miners while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

Mr Disu stated this on Friday when he paid a condolence visit to the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, over the incident.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, the IGP said he was in the state to visit the scene of the incident and commence a thorough investigation into the deaths.

He assured residents that the police would leave no stone unturned in determining what led to the deaths of the miners.

The IGP described the incident as tragic and said the police would work with the NSCDC and committees of inquiry constituted by the state government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“Cases of death while in custody are very serious and fall within the confines of the Nigeria Police Force wherever they occur. As such, the Force must react,” Mr Disu said.

He appealed to residents to remain calm and law-abiding, assuring them that the police would ensure that due process was followed in investigating the incident.

Responding, Governor Bago thanked the IGP and his team for their intervention and efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the deaths, as well as for helping to maintain peace and order in the state.

The governor said all political activities in the state had been suspended in honour of the victims and in consideration of their families.

He added that the state government was working with the Association of Miners of Niger State and the Ministry of Mineral Resources to identify the deceased so that the government could visit and commiserate with their families.

Mr Bago also disclosed that the government had temporarily suspended all mining activities across the state pending the outcome of investigations.

According to him, the suspension is also part of efforts to strengthen the state’s approach to responsible mining.

He said the government would establish a directorate to document mining operators and ensure that miners operate under cooperatives where their activities and identities could be properly monitored.

The governor commended federal agencies and other institutions that had commenced investigations into the incident, assuring them of the state government’s support.

He also appealed to politicians not to politicise the tragedy, urging them instead to unite and work together in addressing the situation.

The deaths of the miners have triggered investigations by security agencies and the state government, with authorities seeking to establish the circumstances that led to the incident while the victims were in NSCDC custody.