The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Niger State Command says a number of the detained suspects were found dead early Thursday morning following a suspected outbreak of disease.
A statement by the Commandant Suberu Siyaka Aniviye says the illegal miners were arrested on the 15th and 16th of this month following raids at their illegal mining sites at the MI Wushishi Estate and Lukoto Village in Minna Niger state. Many exhibits were also recovered from the sites.
It adds that 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.
It appeals to the public to exercise calm as the Corps in synergy with sister security agencies is on top of the situation. The Command specifically appeals to the families of the deceased to remain calm and desist from any actions that could lead to a breakdown of law and order.
The statement notes that 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, while remaining steadfast in the enforcement of its core mandates, including the protection of lives and property, as well as critical national assets and infrastructure, for the benefit of the Commonwealth.
