At least 37 suspected illegal miners reportedly died in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State on Thursday, in a development that has raised questions about the safety and medical care of detainees.
The deaths occurred after the corps arrested scores of suspected illegal miners during operations at M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages on September 15 and 16.
The NSCDC Niger Command confirmed the deaths in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the detainees were found dead in the early hours of the day following a suspected outbreak of disease.
But the command did not disclose the name the suspected disease or explain how the detainees died while in custody.
It said the corpses had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
NSCDC confirms deaths, leaves key questions unanswered
The statement, signed electronically by the Niger State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the operation was part of efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities.
According to the command, the operation led to the arrest of scores of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of various exhibits.
The statement said: “However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease.”
The command did not state how many suspects were arrested, how many remained in custody after the deaths or whether the detainees had been screened for illness before the operation.
It also did not disclose whether the suspected outbreak had been contained or whether medical personnel had attended to the affected suspects.
Deaths in custody raise accountability concerns
The reported deaths have brought renewed attention to the responsibility of security agencies to safeguard the lives of people in their custody, including suspects who have not been convicted of any offence.
The NSCDC statement did not provide information on the conditions of detention, the duration of custody or whether any internal or independent investigation had commenced.
It also did not state whether the families of the deceased had been formally notified or when the results of the medical examination would be released.
The command said it was working with sister security agencies and appealed to the public and families of the deceased to remain calm.
It warned against actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Aniviye said the corps remained committed to human rights and international human rights charters, while continuing its mandate to protect lives, property and critical national assets.
