At least 33 people arrested on suspicion of illegal mining have been found dead while in the custody of Nigeria’s security forces, officials said Thursday. The deaths occurred in north-central Niger State, where authorities are investigating a possible disease outbreak.
The detainees were held by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) after a crackdown on suspected illegal mining activities. Officials have sent the bodies to a local hospital for medical examination as investigators work to establish what happened.
Suspected Disease Outbreak Under Investigation
The deaths were confirmed by the NSCDC following arrests carried out earlier in the week. According to the agency, the suspects had been detained after security operations targeting alleged illegal mining in the state.
NSCDC officials said a suspected disease outbreak may have been responsible for the deaths. However, the agency has not identified a specific disease, and the cause has not been medically confirmed.
The bodies were transferred to a hospital in Minna, the capital of Niger State, for further examination. Authorities say the medical findings will be important in determining the actual cause of death.
Police in Niger State have also opened an investigation and appealed to the victims’ relatives to provide information that could help clarify the circumstances.
Arrests Follow Crackdown on Illegal Mining
The suspects were taken into custody after security operations conducted on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15 and 16, targeting alleged illegal mining activities.
Illegal mining has remained a major challenge in Nigeria, particularly in parts of the country where unregulated mining operations are widespread. Authorities have raised concerns about environmental damage and losses in government revenue.
Security analysts have also linked illegal mining in north-central and northwestern Nigeria to armed groups involved in criminal activities, including kidnapping for ransom. Such allegations have contributed to government efforts to tighten control over mining operations.
The recent deaths have added another serious concern to the enforcement campaign, with authorities now facing questions about the health and safety of people held in detention.
Police Seek Answers as Families Await Information
With the investigation underway, officials are expected to examine the events leading up to the deaths, including the circumstances of the arrests and the period the suspects spent in custody.
The police have urged family members and other individuals with relevant information to come forward. The medical examinations are expected to help determine whether disease was responsible or whether other factors contributed to the deaths.
Authorities have not yet provided further details about the identities of all the deceased or the specific medical findings.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks surrounding illegal mining enforcement and the responsibility of security agencies to ensure the safety of detainees in their custody. Further details are expected as the investigation progresses
