At least 57 suspected illegal miners have died in separate incidents in Niger and Taraba states within two days, including 37 who died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State.

The Niger incident occurred after the NSCDC arrested suspected illegal miners during operations in M.I. Wushishi and Lukoto villages on September 15 and 16.

37 die in NSCDC custody

Niger State NSCDC Commandant, Suberu Siyaka Aniviye, said the suspects were arrested during a “bust operation” aimed at stopping illegal mining activities in the state.

He said the corps discovered that some of the detainees had died in the early hours of September 17 following what was suspected to be an outbreak of disease.

“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.”

The remains were deposited at the General Hospital, Minna, for medical examination to determine the actual cause of death.

The NSCDC has warned against speculation, saying it has not established that any particular disease caused the deaths.

Its national spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, said Commandant-General Ahmed Abubakar Audi had ordered a high-powered investigative team to probe the incident.

“The team has been mandated to undertake a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances leading to the deaths, including the condition of the suspects upon arrest, their period in custody, the conditions of detention, medical attention provided, and other relevant circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Afolabi said the corps would work with health authorities and other security agencies while ensuring that the health and welfare of people still in custody received “utmost priority.”

“The Corps will therefore refrain from speculation until the outcome of the medical examination is established.”

Governor declares three days mourning

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago confirmed that 37 suspected illegal miners died in NSCDC custody.

He described the incident as unfortunate and declared three days of mourning in honour of the deceased.

The governor also cancelled the APC campaign rally scheduled to hold in Minna on Saturday, September 19.

More than 20 feared dead in Taraba

While the Niger incident was being investigated, another mining tragedy occurred in Mayo Kam community, Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.

More than 20 miners were feared dead after a mining pit collapsed on Thursday while they were reportedly working underground.

A resident, Kenneth Ayila, said several people were trapped after the pit suddenly caved in.

“A mining pit has collapsed on miners at Mayo Kam village in the Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State this afternoon. Over 20 people are feared dead,” he told LEADERSHIP.

Community leader Mallam Usman Bello said most of the victims were indigenes of Mayo Kam.

“Those who were killed in the mining pit are mostly from the Mayo Kam community. Only a few people usually come from neighbouring communities to engage in mining here.”

“We are in total shock over the incident,” he added.

However, the Taraba State Police Command said it had not received an official report from its Bali Area Command as of press time.

Police spokesperson ASP Victor Mshelizah said: “We have not received the official report from the police area command in Bali. As soon as we get the details, I will give you the information.”