33 Suspected illegal miners die in NSCDC custody in Niger, Police launch probe

At least 33 suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, in Niger State have reportedly died following a suspected disease outbreak. 

The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

According to the commandant, the deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during an operation conducted by the command on September 15 and 16 at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto village in the state.

Aniviye said the operation was part of the command’s renewed efforts to tackle illegal mining activities in Niger State.

He said the operation resulted in the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.

However, the commandant said the security agency discovered in the early hours of Thursday that scores of the detained suspects had died.

The NSCDC said the deaths were suspected to be linked to a disease outbreak, although the actual cause had yet to be established.

The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination and investigation to determine the precise cause of death.

The NSCDC said it was working with other security agencies and relevant authorities to manage the situation.

The command also appealed to members of the public and relatives of the deceased to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and rights of persons in its custody, saying it would continue to uphold human rights and applicable international human rights charters while carrying out its mandate.

The corps also reiterated its responsibility to protect lives and property as well as critical national assets and infrastructure in the state.