Niger State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Suberu Aniviye, has confirmed the death of one of its personnel and the burning of one operational vehicle in an attack by some suspected illegal miners at Zuzungi, Kataeregi in Katcha local government area while on joint patrol team.
Aniviye also strongly condemned the violent and unprovoked attack carried out by the suspected illegal miners describing it as criminal, barbaric, and a direct assault on constituted authority and Nigeria’s economic stability.
In a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, Deputy Superintendent of Corps Rabiu Muti, the incident occurred at about 12:30am on Wednesday, while the team was trying to intercept individuals suspected of illegally smuggling extracted minerals from the mining area.
According to him, the security team came under heavy attack by armed illegal miners, during which the assailants set ablaze one operational Hilux vehicle belonging to the NSCDC security team, while an officer paid the supreme price in the line of duty.
The Commandant, while issuing a strong and unequivocal warning to all individuals and groups involved in illegal mining activities across Niger State, added that the NSCDC will not tolerate any act of violence, sabotage, or resistance against security personnel carrying out lawful duties.
Aniviye further warned that any person found engaging in illegal mining, mineral smuggling, or aiding such criminal enterprises will be arrested, thoroughly investigated, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
While restating the Command’s zero tolerance to illegal mining activities, the Aniviye said they remain resolute, prepared, and fully committed to dismantling illegal mining networks threatening the economic security of Niger State.
The joint patrol team, comprising personnel of the NSCDC, the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, and local security operatives known as Anti-Drugs Control, ADC, in collaboration with Millennium Metals Mining Company, was on a lawful routine operation aimed at curbing illegal mining activities and preventing the unlawful smuggling of solid minerals from the mining site.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
