Thirty-seven suspected illegal miners arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have died while in the custody of the security agency.

The NSCDC initially said “scores” of suspects arrested during enforcement operations in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what it described as a suspected outbreak of disease.

The arrests were made during operations conducted on September 15 and 16, 2026.

However, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago later confirmed that 37 people had died in NSCDC custody.

He said an investigation had been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The NSCDC said the remains had been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

The Corps has also constituted a high-powered investigative team to examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the condition of the suspects when they were arrested, their period in custody, detention conditions and the medical attention provided to them.

The NSCDC has cautioned against attributing the deaths to any specific disease pending the outcome of medical and laboratory examination. 

Bago said authorities would work to establish what led to the deaths and determine responsibility, while the investigation continues.