33 suspected illegal miners die in NSCDC custody
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Not less than 33 suspected illegal miners have allegedly died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following their arrest during enforcement operations against illegal mining.
According to reports, the suspects were arrested during operations conducted on September 15 and 16 around the M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto areas of the state.
Reports further revealed that the deaths were discovered in the early hours of September 17, with the Niger State NSCDC Command initially linking them to a suspected disease outbreak.
However, the NSCDC national headquarters said the actual cause of death has not been established and that reports attributing the deaths to any specific disease remain subject to medical and laboratory confirmation.
The bodies were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination.
The NSCDC Commandant General, Ahmed Abubakar Audi, has ordered a high-powered investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including the suspects’ condition upon arrest, their period in custody, detention conditions and medical attention provided.
The Niger State Police Command has also commenced a separate investigation into the incident.
