Thirty-three suspected illegal miners have died while in the custody of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger State, following what authorities suspect to be toxic exposure.

In a statement released on Thursday in Minna, Niger State NSCDC Commandant Suberu Aniviye confirmed that the detainees passed away in the early hours of September 17.

The victims were among a group of suspects arrested during an enforcement sweep dubbed a “Bust Operation” across Wushishi and Lukoto village on September 15 and 16, which also resulted in the recovery of various exhibits.

According to the command, the detainees began falling ill due to suspected toxic exposure while being held. Their bodies have since been transferred to the General Hospital in Minna to undergo medical examinations to verify the precise cause of death.

Commandant Aniviye stated that the NSCDC is actively collaborating with other security agencies to manage the situation and maintain public safety.

The command appealed to the families of the deceased and the general public to remain calm and avoid actions that could disrupt law and order.

Reiterating the agency’s operational stance, Aniviye emphasized that the NSCDC remains committed to upholding human rights standards, international charters, and its core mandate of protecting lives and property.