Thirty-three suspected illegal miners have reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following what the Corps described as a suspected outbreak of disease among detainees.

The deaths occurred less than 24 hours after NSCDC personnel arrested scores of suspected illegal miners during an operation at M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages in the state.

The Niger State Command confirmed the deaths in a statement signed by its Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, although the statement did not state the exact number of fatalities.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Rabiu, however, told The Nation by telephone that 33 detainees had died.

Rabiu said he was out of town at the time and would provide further information upon his return.

According to Aniviye, the bodies of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.

The statement, titled “Arrest of Suspected Illegal Miners at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto Village and Deaths Following Suspected Outbreak of Disease,” said the operation was conducted on September 15 and 16 as part of intensified efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the state.

The Corps said that in the early hours of September 17, 2026, several of the detained suspects were found dead following what it described as a suspected disease outbreak.

NSCDC said several exhibits were recovered during the operation but did not disclose details of the items seized or the total number of suspects arrested.

The incident has raised concerns about the conditions in which the suspects were held, the medical attention available to them and the measures taken to contain the suspected outbreak.

The Corps did not disclose whether the detainees had received medical treatment before their deaths, how long they had been in custody or whether the surviving suspects had undergone medical examinations.

The command said it was collaborating with other security agencies to manage the situation and appealed to the families of the deceased and members of the public to remain calm.

It also urged residents to avoid actions capable of disrupting public order.

Aniviye reiterated the Corps’ commitment to protecting human rights and adhering to international human rights charters, while carrying out its statutory responsibilities, including the protection of lives and property as well as critical national assets and infrastructure.

The statement did not disclose details of any independent inquiry into the deaths or indicate when the medical examinations would be completed.