Some suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.
According to a statement signed by the Niger State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026.
The statement said the suspects were found dead on September 17 following a reported disease outbreak in the cell.
Their bodies have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC said the arrests were made during a renewed crackdown on illegal mining activities across the state. The operations reportedly led to the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
The Corps appealed for calm, saying it was working with other security agencies and relevant authorities to establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.
It also urged the families of the deceased and members of the public to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The NSCDC said it remains committed to upholding human rights while carrying out its mandate of protecting lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure.
