At least 33 suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have reportedly died following a suspected disease outbreak.

The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17, 2026.

According to Aniviye, the deceased were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during an operation conducted by the command on September 15 and 16 at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto village in Niger State.

He said the operation was part of the command’s renewed efforts to curb illegal mining activities across the state and resulted in the arrest of several suspects as well as the recovery of various exhibits.

The commandant said the situation was discovered in the early hours of Thursday when officers found that scores of the detained suspects had died.

Aniviye said the deaths were suspected to be linked to a disease outbreak, stressing that the actual cause had yet to be established.

The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, where further medical examinations are expected to be conducted to determine the precise cause of death.

The NSCDC said it was working with other security agencies and relevant authorities to manage the situation and establish the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The command also appealed to members of the public and relatives of the deceased to remain calm and refrain from actions that could threaten public peace or lead to a breakdown of law and order.

The NSCDC reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the lives and rights of persons in its custody, noting that it would continue to uphold human rights and applicable international human rights charters in the discharge of its responsibilities.

The corps further reiterated its mandate to protect lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure across Niger State.