33 arrested illegal miners die in NSCDC custody

At least 33 suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have allegedly died following a suspected disease outbreak. NSCDC Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye reported that the deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17, 2026, after an operation conducted on September 15 and 16. The corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.