The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, has confirmed the deaths of some suspected illegal miners arrested during an operation in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto Village in the state.
The suspects were arrested during a “burst operation” conducted by the Corps on September 15 and 16, 2026, as part of efforts to clamp down on illegal mining activities across the state.
In a statement issued by the Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Commandant Suberu Aniviye, the operation resulted in the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
However, Aniviye said some of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 17, following a suspected outbreak of disease.
The bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where further medical examinations will be conducted to establish the actual cause of death.
The NSCDC said it is working with sister security agencies to manage the situation and appealed to the families of the deceased and members of the public to remain calm and refrain from actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The Corps reiterated its commitment to upholding human rights and international human rights charters in the discharge of its mandate to protect lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure.
The command expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the repose of their souls.
