The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps has launched an investigation into the deaths of suspected illegal miners arrested during enforcement operations in Niger State on September 15 and 16.

No fewer than 33 suspects were reportedly found dead at an NSCDC facility in Minna, with the Niger State Commandant, Suberu Aniviye, initially attributing the deaths to a suspected disease outbreak.

However, the NSCDC headquarters said the cause of death remains unconfirmed while an investigative team will examine the suspects’ condition before and during detention, detention conditions and medical care provided.