Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, has assured the Niger State Government that the Nigeria Police Force will conduct a thorough investigation into the deaths of 37 persons in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Disu gave the assurance during a condolence visit to Niger State Governor Umaru Bago at the Government House in Minna following the incident.
The Inspector-General said the police would work with the NSCDC and the state government to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths and ensure that the investigation is conducted transparently and comprehensively.
He described deaths in custody as a serious matter within the jurisdiction of the Nigeria Police Force, noting that the police had already secured the scene to preserve evidence.
“Cases of deaths while in custody are very serious and fall under the confines of the Nigeria Police Force,” Disu said.
He added that officers had secured the scene to ensure that no evidence was removed, added or tampered with during the investigation.
The IGP also appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid taking the law into their own hands, assuring them that the police would ensure due process throughout the investigation.
Responding, Governor Bago commended Disu for visiting the state and expressed appreciation to the police and other security agencies for their efforts in managing the situation.
Bago disclosed that the Niger State Government had suspended mining activities across the state pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
He also pledged to provide the police and other security agencies with relevant information available to the state government to support the investigation and ensure a comprehensive outcome.
