Scores Of Suspected Illegal Miners Die After Arrest In Niger

Scores of suspected illegal miners arrested during an operation by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have died following a suspected outbreak of disease.

The suspects were arrested during a “burst operation” conducted by the NSCDC Niger State Command at M.I. Wushishi/Lukoto Village on September 15 and 16, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining activities in the state.

In a statement on Thursday, September 17, the State Commandant, Comdt. Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the operation resulted in the arrest of “scores of suspected illegal miners” and the recovery of various exhibits.

However, the command said some of the detained suspects were found dead in the early hours of Thursday following what it described as a suspected outbreak of disease.

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“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,” the statement said.

The NSCDC said it was working with sister security agencies to manage the situation and determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

“While the Corps, in synergy with sister security agencies, is on top of the situation, the Command appeals 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,” Aniviye said.

The command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of suspects and enforcing its statutory responsibilities.

“The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Niger State Command, remains fully committed to the enforcement of human rights and subscribes to international human rights charters,” the statement said.

It added that the command would continue to enforce its mandate of protecting lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure.