Tragedy in Niger: 33 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody
A tragedy has been reported in Minna, Niger State, after 33 suspected illegal miners reportedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
The victims were among scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during an enforcement operation conducted by the NSCDC on September 15 and 16, 2026, at the M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto area of Niger State.
The Niger State Commandant of the NSCDC, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Thursday, September 17.
According to him, the operation was part of the command’s renewed efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state and resulted in the arrest of several suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
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However, in the early hours of Thursday, several of the detained suspects were found dead.
The commandant said the deaths followed a suspected outbreak of disease, adding that the corpses had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
Although the NSCDC initially described the number of victims as “scores,” reports citing a source at the Minna hospital put the number of deceased at 33.
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The exact cause of death remains subject to medical confirmation. Some reports have mentioned suspected diphtheria, but this has not been officially established.
The development has reportedly caused concern among relatives and residents, with people gathering around the hospital after news of the deaths emerged.
The NSCDC has appealed to the families of the deceased and members of the public to remain calm, saying it is working with sister security agencies to manage the situation and prevent any breakdown of law and order.
The Corps also reiterated its commitment to respecting human rights and international human rights standards in carrying out its duties.
As investigations and medical examinations continue, attention is now focused on establishing what caused the sudden deaths and whether the conditions under which the suspects were detained contributed to the tragedy.
Headlineswave.ng will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as authorities release verified information.
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This report is based on statements attributed to the Niger State NSCDC Command and reports from multiple Nigerian news organisations..
