ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has expressed profound grief over the tragic loss of lives involving persons apprehended during anti-illegal mining enforcement operations in the Wushishi and Lukoto corridor of Niger State, assuring the nation that an exhaustive and impartial investigation will establish the facts and bring any culpable personnel to justice, the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation announced in Abuja on Friday, September 18, 2026.
The executive condolence was conveyed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who extended the sympathies of the Federal Government to the Executive Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, the traditional leadership of Wushishi, the bereaved families, and the people of the state.
Okay News reports that in an official press statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the minister maintained that the preservation of human life, civil liberties, and the rule of law remains an inviolable duty of constitutional governance.
Idris observed that the prompt disciplinary intervention instituted earlier by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo—who directed the immediate suspension of the Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, alongside ordering a comprehensive inquiry—demonstrates the federal administration’s zero tolerance for operational misconduct.
“The swift action taken by the Honourable Minister of Interior underscores the seriousness with which the Federal Government views this matter,” Idris said. “The investigation will be allowed to establish exactly what happened, and the Government assures Nigerians that appropriate action will be taken based on its findings.”
The minister explained that while the Federal Government remains resolute in eradicating unauthorized mineral extraction and dismantling illicit operations that compromise national security, natural resources, and environmental sustainability, security agencies are strictly mandated to conduct all enforcement within statutory boundaries.
Reassuring the public of the administration’s commitment to transparency, Idris affirmed that the investigative panel will function without bureaucratic interference or institutional bias.
“There will be no attempt to shield anyone found culpable. At the same time, we mustn’t prejudge the outcome of the investigation,” Idris emphasized. “The Government’s responsibility is to ensure that the facts are established and that justice is served.”
The minister made an impassioned appeal for calm across Wushishi, Minna, and surrounding communities in Niger State, urging community leaders, youth organizations, and aggrieved families to maintain peace and avoid taking laws into their hands while investigators carry out forensic and administrative inquiries.
Concluding his message, Idris prayed for the peaceful repose of the departed souls, beseeching Almighty Allah to grant their families, the Wushishi traditional council, and the entire government and people of Niger State the fortitude to bear the loss.
