Niger miners’ deaths: JNI demands transparent probe, urgent security review

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has demanded a transparent and independent investigation into the reported death of 37 persons while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, describing the incident as deeply disturbing and requiring urgent accountability.

JNI, in a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Prof. Khalid Abubakar Aliyu, said the circumstances surrounding the deaths, which reportedly followed the arrest of the victims during an alleged illegal-mining operation, raised serious questions about their detention and treatment.

The organisation, under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, said it welcomed the Federal Government’s decision to institute an independent investigation and suspend officers connected with the incident pending the outcome of the probe.

However, JNI said the investigation must be “transparent, independent, thorough, timely and credible,” with no attempt to shield anyone found culpable.

It said the investigation should establish what happened from the point of arrest, including the circumstances of the detention, conditions in custody, access to medical attention, supervision of detainees and how such a large number of people could lose their lives while in state custody.

JNI also cautioned against prejudging the outcome of the investigation, saying responsibility must be established through evidence, due process and the rule of law.

The organisation said reports that some of those detained may have been young men made the incident more painful, while noting that the deaths had also triggered protests and tension in Minna, the Niger State capital.

Beyond the Niger incident, JNI expressed concern over what it described as the continuing deterioration of security across several parts of the country, including Sokoto, Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna, Kebbi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Niger, Gombe, Kogi, Benue and Plateau states.

It condemned the killings, abductions, terrorism, banditry, cattle rustling, destruction of livelihoods and attacks on security personnel, saying innocent Nigerians continued to be killed or kidnapped despite ongoing military and security operations.

The group said recent incidents in the North-West and North-Central regions had exposed communities to ransom demands, illegal levies, cattle rustling, destruction of property and disruption of economic activities.

JNI acknowledged the sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Police, NSCDC, DSS, Civilian Joint Task Forces, vigilante groups and other lawful security formations, but said the recurrence and scale of attacks required greater urgency, improved coordination and stronger intelligence.

It called for a review of Nigeria’s security architecture, with security agencies urged to move increasingly from reactive responses to intelligence-led preventive operations.

Among its recommendations, JNI called for the identification and dismantling of terrorist and bandit camps and supply routes, disruption of their sources of arms and logistics, stronger intelligence sharing among security agencies and effective control of the country’s borders.

It also urged greater protection for vulnerable communities, schools, highways, markets and places of worship, as well as stronger community-based intelligence systems and measures to address the social and economic conditions that make vulnerable young people susceptible to recruitment by criminal networks.

On illegal mining, JNI called for lawful, coordinated and humane enforcement, stressing the need to distinguish legitimate artisanal miners from criminal networks and ensure that arrested persons are treated in accordance with the law.

The organisation further called for credible systems to monitor detention facilities and protect persons in state custody from abuse, neglect or avoidable loss of life.

JNI also urged authorities to provide medical, psychological and social support to victims of kidnapping, terrorism and banditry after their release.

It called on Muslims across Nigeria to intensify prayers, Istighfar, Qiyam al-Layl, Sadaqah and other acts of worship for divine protection and an end to insecurity.

JNI urged Imams, Islamic scholars, Islamic organisations and Muslim communities to devote portions of Friday sermons, congregational prayers and personal supplications to the security situation in the country.

The organisation prayed for the victims of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence, as well as those currently in captivity, displaced persons and injured victims.

It also prayed for the families of the 37 persons who died in NSCDC custody, calling for justice and a full establishment of the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

JNI said the frequency of killings, kidnappings and attacks must not become normalised, warning that Nigeria could not sustainably develop when farmers could not safely access their farms, children could not attend school without fear and travellers remained uncertain about their safety.

“The time for complacency is over,” the organisation said, urging the authorities to treat the security situation with the highest level of urgency, seriousness and national coordination.