NEWS
33 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody Amid Suspected Disease Outbreak in Niger
At least 33 suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have reportedly died in custody following a suspected disease outbreak.
The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026, saying the circumstances surrounding the deaths were under investigation.
The deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners apprehended during a security operation conducted by the corps on September 15 and 16 at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto village in Niger State.
The operation formed part of the NSCDC’s renewed campaign against illegal mining activities, which have continued to raise security and environmental concerns across the state.
According to the command, the operation led to the arrest of a large number of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits believed to be connected with the alleged illegal mining activities.
However, the situation took a tragic turn in the early hours of Thursday when the NSCDC discovered that 33 of the detained suspects had died.
While a disease outbreak is suspected to be responsible for the deaths, authorities have stressed that the actual cause has not yet been established.
The corpses have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where they are expected to undergo medical examination and further investigation to establish the precise cause of death.
The NSCDC said it was working alongside other security agencies and relevant government authorities to contain the situation and determine the circumstances surrounding the fatalities.
The development has also prompted an appeal for calm among residents and relatives of the deceased, with the command urging members of the public to avoid actions capable of triggering tension or a breakdown of law and order while investigations continue.
The NSCDC further reiterated that the protection of lives and the rights of persons in its custody remain fundamental to its operations.
The corps said it would continue to observe human rights principles and applicable international human rights charters while carrying out its statutory responsibilities.
The command also reaffirmed its broader mandate of protecting lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure across Niger State.