A yet-to-be-confirmed number of illegal miners detained by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State have died following a suspected outbreak of disease.

In a statement on Thursday, the state commander, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said scores of illegal miners were arrested at M.I Wushishi and Lukoto village between Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mr Aniviye also said the operation led to the recovery of exhibits.

“However, in the early hours of 17th September, 2026, scores of the detained suspects were found dead, following a suspected outbreak of disease,” he said.

He stated that the corpses of the deceased suspects had since been deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for further medical examination to establish the actual cause of death.

Mr Aniviye said the NSCDC, along with other security agencies, 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.

The Peoples Gazette had earlier reported that Governor Umar Bago mourned the death of Aminu Eshin, an officer of NSCDC who was killed at an illegal mining site in Korokpa village in Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.