The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has confirmed the death of 33 suspected illegal miners while in its custody in Minna, Niger State, following what the Corps initially described as a suspected outbreak of disease.
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The deceased were among scores of persons arrested during enforcement operations carried out by the Niger State Command of the NSCDC on September 15 and 16, 2026, around M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages, as part of a crackdown on alleged illegal mining activities. Various exhibits were also recovered during the operations.
Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said some of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 17.
“Scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” Aniviye said.
Although the commandant’s initial statement did not give a precise figure, the Niger State Command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Rabiu, subsequently confirmed that 33 detainees died.
The NSCDC stressed, however, that the actual cause of death has not yet been medically established. Reports attributing the deaths to any particular disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
The bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where medical examinations are expected to determine what caused the deaths.
Following the incident, NSCDC Commandant-General, Prof. Ahmed Abubakar Audi, ordered the constitution of a high-powered investigative team headed by the Deputy Commandant-General in charge of Intelligence and Investigation.
According to the Corps, the investigation will examine the condition of the suspects at the time of arrest, how long they remained in custody, the conditions under which they were detained, the medical attention provided to them and all other circumstances surrounding the deaths
The Corps said it was also working with relevant health authorities and sister security agencies to ensure appropriate medical and public-health measures were taken, particularly for other persons still in custody and personnel who may have come in contact with the affected detainees.
The NSCDC cautioned against speculation about the cause of the deaths until medical and laboratory findings are available.
“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established,” the agency said.
Separate accounts have also raised questions about the conditions in which the suspects were detained. Some survivors were reported as alleging that detainees had been kept in an overcrowded holding facility and that breathing difficulties developed before some of them died. Those accounts are among issues expected to be examined by investigators and have not yet been established as the cause of death.
The Niger State Police Command has also opened an investigation into the deaths. Commissioner of Police Adamu Elleman directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Minna to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, with members of the public and relatives urged to provide relevant information.
The deaths prompted concern among relatives of the detainees, with some family members reportedly gathering around the NSCDC headquarters in Minna seeking information about their loved ones.
The NSCDC appealed to relatives of the deceased and members of the public to remain calm and avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The Corps expressed condolences to the families and reiterated that its enforcement activities against illegal mining must be carried out alongside respect for the dignity, safety and fundamental rights of persons in its custody.
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