37 Suspected Illegal Miners Die in NSCDC Custody in Niger
Scores of suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following a suspected disease outbreak.
The victims were arrested during enforcement operations conducted on September 15 and 16 in the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas as part of efforts to tackle illegal mining in the state.
The Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the detainees were found dead in the early hours of Thursday, September 17.
The corps said the remains had been deposited at the General Hospital in Minna for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.
While some reports have put the death toll at 33 or higher, the NSCDC’s national headquarters has not confirmed a specific figure. It has also warned against attributing the deaths to any particular disease before medical and laboratory tests are completed.
The NSCDC Commandant-General, Abubakar Audi, has ordered a high-powered investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their time in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.
The corps also directed that the health and welfare of those still in custody be prioritised and that measures be taken to protect personnel who may have come into contact with the affected detainees.
Authorities have appealed for calm among the families of the deceased and the wider public as investigations and medical examinations continue.
