NSCDC confirms 33 suspected illegal miners died in Niger custody

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger State says 33 suspected illegal miners died in its custody after a suspected disease outbreak, following arrests during an anti-illegal-mining operation in the state.

The suspects were among scores of people arrested on September 15 and 16 at M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto village. The command said exhibits were recovered during the operation.

Channels TV and Daily Post reported that Niger State Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye confirmed the deaths in a statement on Thursday. The bodies have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

The command said it was working with other security agencies to manage the situation and appealed to the families of the deceased and the public to remain calm. It also said it remained committed to human rights while carrying out its mandate.

The deaths place fresh attention on how suspects are held after enforcement operations, especially when large groups are detained after raids. The cause of death has not been independently established, and the command said medical checks would determine what happened.

Sources: Channels TV, Daily Post