‘Shocking,’ 37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die In NSCDC Custody

Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners arrested in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages in Niger state have died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

In a statement on Thursday, Suberu Aniviye, NSCDC commandant in Niger state, said the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16.

Aniviye said, “scores of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following a suspected outbreak of disease”.

“Niger State Command, in its renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities, conducted a “burst operation” on 15th and 16th September, 2026, leading to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of exhibits,” the statement reads.

“The operation yielded significant results, with scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and various exhibits recovered.

“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease.

“The corpses of the deceased suspects have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.”

The NSCDC commandant added that the corps, in synergy with sister security agencies, is on top of the situation.

He appealed to members of the public and families of the deceased to remain calm and desist from actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.

Meanwhile, Umar Bago, governor of Niger state, said in a statement by Bologi Ibrahim, his chief press secretary (CPS), that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody.

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Ibrahim said the Niger government had cancelled the All Progressives Congress (APC) political rally schedulled for Saturday, September 19, in Minna, the state capital, following the incident.

The CPS said the governor commiserated with the families of those who died and declared a three-day mourning period in their honour.

Meanwhile, Babawale Afolabi, NSCDC national public relations officer, said Ahmed Abubakar, the corps commandant-general, has directed the constitution of a “high-powered” investigative team.

In a statement, Afolabi said the team, led by the deputy commandant-general in charge of intelligence and investigation, would immediately investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident,” the statement reads.

“The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination and determination of the actual cause of death.

“The Corps is also working with the relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure that appropriate medical and public-health measures are taken.

“The NSCDC wishes to clarify that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation. The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.”

Afolabi added that the commandant-general had further directed that the health and welfare of all persons currently in custody be given utmost priority, while necessary measures are taken to protect personnel who may have had contact with the affected persons.