33 arrested illegal miners die in NSCDC custody

According to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, at least 33 suspected illegal miners arrested in Niger State have died due to a suspected disease outbreak. The NSCDC Niger State Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, revealed this in a statement on September 17, 2026. The deceased were among those arrested during an operation conducted by the NSCDC in the state between September 15 and 16 at M.I.

Wushishi/Lukoto village. The NSCDC was carrying out these operations as part of its renewed efforts to eradicate illegal mining activities in the region. However, the commandant reported that in the early hours of September 17, the bodies of the deceased were found. The corpses have been taken to the General Hospital in Minna for further examination to determine the exact cause of death.

The NSCDC is working alongside other security agencies to manage the situation and has appealed to the public and the families of the deceased to remain calm and refrain from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order. The NSCDC emphasizes its commitment to upholding human rights and international human rights standards while performing its duties of protecting lives and property, as well as safeguarding critical national assets and infrastructure.