At least 33 suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State died in custody after a suspected disease outbreak, the agency said on Thursday, 17 September 2026.
The deaths were reported by the NSCDC Niger State commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, who said the miners were among those detained during an operation on 15 and 16 September at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto village. The operation was part of the command’s renewed effort to eliminate illegal mining activities in the state and resulted in the arrest of a large number of suspects and the recovery of various mining equipment.
According to Aniviye, in the early hours of 17 September, several of the detained suspects were found dead. The corpses have been taken to the General Hospital in Minna for further medical examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The NSCDC said it is working in cooperation with sister security agencies to manage the situation and has urged members of the public and the families of the deceased to remain calm and to avoid any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
In a statement, the agency reaffirmed its commitment to the enforcement of human rights and international human rights charters while carrying out its mandate to protect lives, property and critical national assets and infrastructure.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
