Vivid facts have emerged on how 37 suspected illegal Miners died while in custody of the Mining Marshalls of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp NSCDC in Niger state .
A source hinted that the suspects might have died as a result of the mixture of drugs used before going into the mining pit and the chemicals from the minerals.
It was learnt that because they were kept in the cell , it was difficult for them to be properly catered for hence the complications that led to to their death
findings revealed that 40 suspects were kept in the male section of the corps cell when they were arrested , but 37 were confirmed dead with foam coming out from their mouths yesterday morning while 7 others were immediately rushed to the intensive care unit of Minna General Hospital
The commandant of the corps in Niger state Suberu Siyaka Aniviye confirmed that the suspects were arrested at an illegal Mining site in a residential layout.
He said “the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Niger State Command, in its renewed efforts to rid the state of illegal mining activities, conducted a “burst operation” on 15th and 16th September, 2026, leading to the arrest of suspected illegal miners and the recovery of exhibits”.
“The operation yielded significant results, with scores of suspected illegal miners arrested and various exhibits recovered.However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease” .he added.
He said the corpses of the deceased suspects have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.
He said the Corps, in synergy with sister security agencies, was on top of the situation, and therefore appealed to the general public and the families of the deceased to remain calm and desist from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
Meanwhile Niger state Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has Confirmed 37 Died In NSCDC Custody and has Declared 3 Days Mourning following the death of suspected illegal Miners in the custody of NSCDC
He also cancelled the flag off of APC campaign rally slated for this Saturday in Minna, the State capital.
Bago confirmed that 37 died in the corps custody while describing the incident as unfortunate
The governor commiserates with the families of those who lost their lives and declares a three day mourning period in their honour.
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